Where Space Meets Sustainability: Reflections from Ecosystem Space in Austin

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

Over the past few years, I’ve been developing a space-themed glamping and edutainment experience concept rooted in sustainability and educational storytelling. The idea is to create a “space camp for grown-ups” that blends real-world conservation practices (aquaponics, solar tech, off-grid living) with the excitement of astronaut training, simulated habitats, and even stargazing parties under the night skies. Think of it as part eco-resort, part imagination accelerator.

See more from these blog post links:

Space Colony Glamping Business

Visualizing a Space Colony Glamping Experience

So, being in a room full of space innovators wasn’t just professionally stimulating—it felt like plugging into the kind of creative current that fuels ideas like my immersive glamping concept.

Some of my favorite takeaways from the evening:

Sustainability is already embedded in space thinking—whether it’s reducing launch emissions or reusing spacecraft, circular systems are a necessity beyond Earth.
The Texas space economy is expanding fast, and with that growth comes a need for thoughtful, equitable workforce development and communications that reach diverse audiences.
Collaboration is key—not just between engineers and scientists, but across sectors: government, nonprofits, academia, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Big thanks to the organizers and sponsors: LSAS Tec USA, Capital Factory, Juice Consulting, NASA’s Third Rock Radio, New Space Hub, Starbase Brewing, and Still Austin Whiskey for making the night both fun and future-focused.

Here’s to more future horizons of creativity, conservation, and cosmic thinking.