During a recent interview, aerospace entrepreneur and military veteran Joseph Kopser outlined a critical challenge facing the Texas space economy: a severe shortage of skilled labor that threatens the state's growth as a global hub for space exploration. Kopser, speaking on the Building Texas Show, emphasized that while Texas hosts major aerospace companies, the industry's needs extend far beyond rocket scientists to include skilled tradespeople essential for manufacturing and operations.
Kopser, a West Point graduate and aerospace engineer, noted that companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Firefly Aerospace require a diverse workforce. "We have to have a workforce to build those rockets, to sustain life support systems, and to build spacecraft," Kopser told host Justin McKenzie. "It's not just about rocket science design; it's about physically running pipes, tubes, and chambers that hold highly pressurized liquid oxygen. That takes plumbers, electricians, and welders with great skill." This skills gap poses a significant risk to what Kopser termed the "Texas economic miracle," potentially stalling progress if not addressed.
To combat this issue, Kopser co-founded the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT), an initiative designed to connect individuals aged 18 to 35 with vocational training and higher education pathways. "People will be what they can see," Kopser stated, stressing the importance of early exposure to these career opportunities. More information about this workforce development effort is available at https://www.swift.space.
The conversation also addressed broader economic trends, including the "exporting of talent" from rural Texas. Kopser argued that technological advancements like fiber internet expansion and emerging autonomous supply chains present a historic opportunity to reverse this exodus. "Now, with the reshoring of manufacturing and the ability to work remotely, you can live the quality of life you want in rural Texas while accessing the modern economy," he explained. This shift could help stabilize communities and diversify the state's economic base.
Kopser highlighted "dual-use" technologies—innovations serving both national defense and commercial sectors—as key economic drivers for Texas. He pointed to several Texas-based companies exemplifying this trend. These include Apptronik, which focuses on humanoid robotics (https://www.apptronik.com), Saronic, developing autonomous watercraft (https://www.saronictech.com), and LoCal, working on biochar energy solutions (https://www.local.energy). These companies represent the private sector's role in solving complex public challenges through innovation.
Kopser, who recently launched a campaign for Texas House District 47, framed the workforce issue as urgent and consequential. "The skills gap is widening, and the decisions we make today will shape Texas's economy for decades," he stated. He expressed concern that "hyper-partisan politics consuming our country distract from the real work of creating jobs and giving kids a fair shot." Kopser continues to advocate for these priorities through his organization, USTomorrow, further details of which can be found at https://www.ustomorrow.org. The implications of failing to address the skilled labor shortage are profound, potentially limiting Texas's ability to capitalize on its strategic position in the rapidly evolving aerospace and technology sectors, thereby affecting long-term economic competitiveness and job creation for future generations.
