The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is proud to call Texas home.  As the premier NASA center for human space flight and related scientific and medical research efforts, we play a pivotal role in the success of NASA’s mission. The Program Office for Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Constellation are located at NASA JSC.  NASA JSC manages the development, testing, training, and operation of all U.S. human spacecraft missions and is home to Mission Control and the Astronaut Corps.

NASA JSC is a positive force in the local community and plays a vital role in both the regional and state economies.  The dollars spent in procurements, grants to educational institutions and nonprofits and by aerospace employees enhance business development, create jobs and increase the tax base.  Here are some highlights on the significant economic benefits NASA provides to the State of Texas:

Workforce

• NASA’s Johnson Space Center employs over 3,300 civil servants
  • 85% have a bachelor’s degree. 
  • 33% have a graduate level degree.
  • 63% have a science, engineering or other technical degree.

• NASA is the second largest federal employer in the Houston area.

• Nearly 15,000 contractor employees work in the vicinity of the Johnson Space Center supporting NASA programs and operations for a total aerospace workforce of 18,294.

• NASA spends over $1.5 billion annually on contractor and civil servant salaries in Texas.

Business & Industry

• Johnson Space Center manages an annual budget of $5.9 billion.  
• In Fiscal Year 2009, Johnson Space Center obligated over $4.3 billion to businesses located in Texas, including:

• $3.1 billion to 120 large businesses
• $270 million to 221 small businesses
• $150 million to 48 small disadvantaged businesses
• $35 million to 23 8(a) businesses
• $72 million to 42 woman-owned businesses
• $6 million to 23 Small Business Innovative Research grants
• $90 million to 25 government and non-profit institutions

Source: NASA Acquisition Internet Service

Education

• In Fiscal Year 2009, NASA agreements with 48 Texas universities and educational institutions were valued at $62 million for grants, contracts, and other commitments.
• Education programs provide over 625,000 contacts hours annually to students and educators.

If you believe that our human space flight program is important for our nation and the State of Texas, please contact your congressional representatives to voice your support.

This can be done easily by visiting GoBoldlyNASA for a quick way to send your message to Congress.