Space Archives - Taylor Scott Nelson

Building the Future of Texas’ Space Workforce

October 9, 2025 No Comments

This month’s Ecosystem Space meetup at Capital Factory once again highlighted why the Austin Metro is quickly becoming a hub for space innovation. The energy in the room was both inspiring and pragmatic — a mix of engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates all united around a central challenge: how do we grow and sustain the space workforce in Texas?

The event topic centered on Space Workforce Development, which brought together thought leaders and innovators who understand that the future of the space industry relies not only on rockets and research, but on people and skilled trades. The discussion focused on identifying the STEM and trade skills that “Big Space” companies and agile startups alike need to thrive, and how Texas can position itself as a leader in developing that talent.

General, Professional, Space

Fueling the Future of Space in Texas: Ecosystem Space

August 15, 2025 No Comments

Growing Roots in the Austin Space Community

The August Ecosystem Space meetup felt like another step in my networking journey into the aerospace sector. Hosted at Capital Factory and organized by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) in collaboration with the Space Force Association, this monthly event continues to excel with its focus on industry connections and forward-thinking dialogue. It’s not your typical networking mixer either, there are no standardized panels or elevator pitches. Instead, it’s a space for real conversations and ideas that fuel innovation in Texas’ booming space ecosystem.

With every event, I’ve started to recognize more familiar faces and feel more plugged into a growing community of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. From technologists and entrepreneurs to students and institutional leaders, everyone brings something unique to the conversation. And as someone coming from a sustainability and communications background, I find this multidisciplinary approach both welcoming and essential to our future.

General, Professional, Space, Texas

Where Space Meets Sustainability: Reflections from Ecosystem Space in Austin

July 11, 2025 No Comments

Last night I attended Ecosystem Space, a monthly happy hour hosted by the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT) and the Space Force Association, held at Capital Factory in downtown Austin. Part networking mixer, part brain trust, the event brought together technologists, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and curious thinkers—each playing a role in shaping Texas’ place in the growing space industry.

At first glance, you might not expect a communications professional with a background in sustainability to show up at a space-sector event. But in reality, the overlap between space and sustainability is significant and growing.

Whether it’s using satellite data to monitor geographic data, designing closed-loop life support systems for long-term missions (i.e. water recycling and regenerative agriculture), or exploring how space design innovation can inform sustainable development here on Earth, the space sector is inherently about resourcefulness. It’s about doing more with less, often in environments where every ounce of energy and every drop of water must be carefully managed.

That’s why I was drawn to attend.

Selfie with a poster for an upcoming conference