Connect with us

Technology & Innovation

UTEP’s $80M Aerospace Hub Boosts El Paso Economy & Space Tech

UTEP’s AMAC center advances aerospace innovation with lunar tech and 3D printing, driving $230M economic impact and creating high-tech jobs in El Paso.

Published

on

UTEP’s $80M Aerospace and Manufacturing Hub: A New Frontier

The University of Texas at El Paso has cemented its role as a national leader in technological innovation with the opening of its Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center (AMAC). This $80 million facility represents one of the most significant investments in U.S. aerospace research infrastructure, combining UTEP’s renowned W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation with cutting-edge aerospace development capabilities.

Located at the heart of America’s evolving aerospace corridor, AMAC positions El Paso as a critical node in space exploration and advanced manufacturing. The center’s focus on lunar habitation systems and space robotics comes as NASA intensifies its Artemis program goals, while its materials science breakthroughs address urgent needs in both military and commercial aviation sectors.

Strategic Investment in Aerospace Innovation

AMAC’s 130,000-square-foot facility houses specialized labs for vacuum chamber testing, autonomous systems development, and large-scale 3D printing. One flagship project involves creating regolith-based construction materials using lunar soil simulants – technology that could enable permanent moon bases by 2030. Researchers have already demonstrated the ability to 3D print structural components using 90% simulated moon dust mixed with Earth-based binders.

The center’s partnership network spans 104 industry collaborators and 10 federal agencies. Lockheed Martin recently co-developed a new titanium alloy printing process at AMAC that reduces spacecraft component weight by 40% compared to traditional manufacturing. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman is funding research into self-repairing drone systems capable of autonomous in-flight maintenance.

\”AMAC represents the future of U.S. technological leadership,\” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. \”By combining academic rigor with real-world industry challenges, we’re creating solutions that will define next-generation aerospace capabilities.\”

Workforce Development Engine

Beyond its research mandate, AMAC serves as a talent pipeline for the aerospace sector. The facility’s training programs include:

  • Certification in orbital mechanics software (STK)
  • Hands-on additive manufacturing courses
  • NASA-sponsored lunar construction simulations

Over 600 students currently participate in AMAC projects, with 78% receiving direct mentorship from industry partners. Recent graduate Maria Gonzalez secured a position at Blue Origin after developing a novel heat shield cooling system through AMAC’s industry partnership program.

Economic Catalyst for the Borderplex Region

The Texas Comptroller’s Office projects AMAC will generate $230 million in regional economic impact by 2028. Since the center’s announcement, El Paso has seen:

  • 43% increase in aerospace patent filings
  • 17 new supplier contracts with major defense contractors
  • $14 million in venture capital investments for spin-off technologies

Local manufacturer Border Industrial Group recently retooled its factory to produce AMAC-designed satellite components, creating 142 new high-wage jobs. The center’s success has also attracted three European aerospace firms to establish North American R&D offices in El Paso.

Future Trajectory and Challenges

As AMAC enters its operational phase, attention turns to sustaining its innovative momentum. The center plans to launch a microgravity research initiative using parabolic flight simulations in 2026. However, challenges persist in securing long-term funding and preventing talent drain to coastal tech hubs.

UTEP’s proposed solutions include creating an aerospace investment fund with state partners and establishing dual-degree programs with industry collaborators. These measures aim to keep 65% of AMAC-trained graduates in the El Paso region – up from the current 38% retention rate.

Conclusion

The AMAC facility exemplifies how strategic academic investments can transform regional economies while addressing national priorities. By bridging cutting-edge research with practical industry applications, UTEP has created a model for 21st-century technological development.

As commercial space ventures accelerate and advanced manufacturing becomes increasingly automated, AMAC’s integrated approach positions both the university and El Paso at the forefront of these dual revolutions. The coming decade will likely see this $80 million investment yield breakthroughs that redefine humanity’s capabilities in space exploration and materials science.

FAQ

What makes AMAC’s 3D printing capabilities unique?
AMAC specializes in exotic-material additive manufacturing, including lunar regolith composites and high-temperature alloys for hypersonic vehicles.

How does AMAC benefit local businesses?
The center offers technology transfer programs where local manufacturers can license UTEP-developed patents and access shared production facilities.

Are there public viewing opportunities at AMAC?
While primarily a research facility, AMAC hosts quarterly open houses and STEM education workshops for regional K-12 students.

Sources: KFOX14/CBS4, Texas A&M Engineering, UT System Instagram

Photo Credit: utep.edu
[mc4wp_form id=1060]

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Electric Aircraft

NOEMI Aerospace Selects Syensqo Composites for TAC-1 Wing

NOEMI Aerospace picks Syensqo MTM 45-1 and AeroPaste for its 21-meter all-electric amphibious aircraft wing structure.

Published

on

NOEMI Aerospace has selected advanced materials manufacturer Syensqo to supply carbon fiber composites and structural adhesives for its nine-passenger all-electric amphibious aircraft.

The agreement, announced in a September 10, 2026, press release, secures out-of-autoclave materials critical for fabricating the aircraft’s 21-meter single-span wing structure. The selected materials feature existing National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) data, which NOEMI intends to leverage for its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification program.

Composite materials for single-span wing construction

Syensqo will provide its MTM® 45-1 carbon fiber prepreg and AeroPaste® structural paste adhesive for the airframe and wing assembly. NOEMI Aerospace requires out-of-autoclave curing capabilities to accommodate the physical dimensions of the aircraft’s wing skins and spars, which the company plans to manufacture as a continuous 21-meter structure.

Simon Bendrey, Chief Engineer at NOEMI Aerospace, stated that the company needed a primary structure-capable material with proven performance to support this manufacturing approach.

“With Syensqo’s MTM® 45-1, a primary structure capable material with FAA approval and independently verified NCAMP data, we have a solution that will support our certification approach while helping us achieve the low structural weight required for our first prototype aircraft,” Bendrey said.

Bendrey added that the company will utilize the AeroPaste® structural adhesive to bond the wing components. Gerald Perrin, EMEA Sales Director for Syensqo Composite Materials, noted that the selection reflects the aerospace heritage of the company’s product line and its alignment with Electric-Aviation development.

TAC-1 prototype and multi-mission development

The materials partnership advances the construction of NOEMI’s TAC-1 experimental prototype. Following a preliminary design review completed in March 2026, the Norwegian Manufacturers is currently building a ground test rig. According to reporting by Aviation International News, the company expects to run a propeller on the test rig by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

The all-electric seaplane is designed for a range of approximately 200 kilometers, targeting short-haul routes between coastal islands and waterway-connected communities. While initially focused on passenger transport, NOEMI Aerospace, which rebranded from Elfly Group in February 2026, announced a multi-mission Strategy on May 19, 2026. The company plans to adapt the airframe for specialized operations, including aerial firefighting, medical evacuation, troop transport, and skydiving.

AirPro News analysis

We view NOEMI’s selection of an out-of-autoclave composite system with existing NCAMP data as a pragmatic risk-reduction strategy. Electric aircraft developers face strict weight limitations due to current battery energy densities, making lightweight composite structures mandatory rather than optional. By choosing a material that already possesses verified performance data and FAA familiarity, NOEMI can avoid the time and expense of a clean-sheet material qualification program. The ability to cure a 21-meter wing structure outside of a traditional autoclave removes a significant Manufacturing bottleneck and reduces capital equipment costs for early-stage prototype production.

Sources: NOEMI Aerospace

Photo Credit: NOEMI Aerospace

Continue Reading

Technology & Innovation

ACES Plans eVTOL Charging Network Across Texas for eIPP

Archer, BETA Technologies, and Macquarie Capital launch ACES to build interoperable eVTOL charging infrastructure across Texas.

Published

on

On September 10, 2026, America’s Consortium for Electric Skyways (ACES) announced plans to deploy an interoperable electric aviation charging network across Texas to support the state’s upcoming air taxi operations. The infrastructure rollout targets the “Texas Triangle” and surrounding rural areas, providing a critical physical foundation for the White House’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

In a press release issued by Archer Aviation Inc., the consortium, a joint initiative launched by Archer, BETA Technologies, and Macquarie Capital, detailed its collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The shared infrastructure model is designed to prevent the fragmentation of charging systems by allowing multiple operators to utilize the same chargers as commercial eVTOL flights begin.

Targeting the Texas Triangle

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected TxDOT’s eIPP proposal in March 2026. The federal program aims to safely integrate electric aircraft into U.S. airspace by allowing early commercial operations to proceed, which will generate operational data to inform future regulations.

ACES will work with TxDOT over the coming months to identify optimal locations for charging infrastructure based on where aircraft operators plan to fly. The initial focus centers on the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston metropolitan areas, alongside connecting rural communities. Sergio Roman, Emerging Aviation Tech Director at TxDOT, stated that building the charging infrastructure puts Texas at the center of the next generation of aviation while improving safety and connectivity across the state.

Interoperability and Industry Expansion

The consortium’s broader goal extends beyond the Texas borders. ACES aims to electrify 250 air taxi sites across major American airports and metropolitan areas over the next decade. By utilizing an open standard, the consortium intends to support the entire industry rather than a single manufacturer’s proprietary technology.

Archer Aviation Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized this approach, noting that interoperable chargers built on an open standard are how the push for commercialization becomes real. BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark echoed the necessity of shared resources for the emerging sector.

“Aircraft are only useful if you have the infrastructure in place to support them. ACES is about making sure that infrastructure is interoperable, reliable, and ready where operators need it,” Clark said.

Concurrent Flight Testing Operations

The infrastructure announcement coincides with active flight testing in the region. On September 10, 2026, Joby Aviation, Inc. officially commenced its own White House-backed eIPP flights in Texas under TxDOT’s Project Nexus. Joby’s week-long flight campaign across the Dallas-Fort Worth region highlights the immediate need for the charging networks ACES is planning to build.

Archer Aviation also launched its ‘No Roads’ flight tour in early September 2026 to expand the city-to-city flight test program for its Midnight aircraft, setting the stage for increased hardware demands at regional airports and vertiports.

AirPro News analysis

We view the ACES interoperability strategy as a necessary step to avoid the proprietary charging bottlenecks that initially plagued the automotive electric vehicle market. By standardizing the infrastructure early in the eIPP process, operators can share capital expenditures and real estate at constrained vertiport locations. The concurrent launch of Joby Aviation flight tests and the ACES infrastructure plan in Texas demonstrates that the eIPP is rapidly moving from a policy framework into physical operations. If ACES can successfully deploy its open-standard network across the Texas Triangle, it will likely serve as the blueprint for the consortium’s planned 250-site national rollout.

Sources: Archer Aviation

Photo Credit: Archer Aviation

Continue Reading

Technology & Innovation

REGENT Viceroy Seaglider Completes First Human-Crewed Flight

REGENT Craft’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first crewed flight Sept. 2, 2026, covering 1,956 ft over Narragansett Bay.

Published

on

REGENT Craft Inc. completed the first human-crewed flight of its all-electric Viceroy Seaglider prototype on September 2, 2026, over Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The 30-second test flight reached an altitude of 33 feet above the water and covered a distance of 1,956 feet, validating the company’s wing-in-ground (WIG) effect technology for future commercial and defense applications.

In a press release issued following the flight, the company noted that the Viceroy is now the largest all-electric WIG craft to fly with people on board. The milestone follows a recent $240 million Series B funding round intended to scale manufacturing and prepare for customer deliveries.

Flight test-flights details and vehicle specifications

The Viceroy Seaglider is designed to carry 12 passengers and two crew members. According to REGENT, the production vehicle will be capable of reaching speeds up to 180 mph with a maximum range of 180 miles on a single charge.

During the September 2 test, the prototype demonstrated stable ground-effect flight. REGENT Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Billy Thalheimer described the event as the moment the team had been “envisioning and tirelessly pursuing for the past five and a half years.” Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mike Klinker stated that the successful test “validates years of rigorous engineering and operational work” and provides the confidence needed to transition toward full-rate production.

Commercial and defense market expansion

The human-crewed flight follows earlier testing of the company’s autonomous drone variant, the Squire Seaglider, which completed its first defense-specific WIG flight earlier in 2026. REGENT has secured an expanded $15 million contract with the United States Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and established a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

On the commercial side, luxury coastal travel operator The Twenty Five serves as the domestic delivery and United States launch partner for Seaglider operations. The operator has placed an order for up to 60 Viceroy Seagliders.

Manufacturing and financial backing

To support its order backlog, REGENT completed construction of a 255,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Quonset, Rhode Island, in June 2026.

The company announced a $240 million Series B funding round on August 27, 2026. The round was co-led by Mare Liberum and AE Ventures, with debt capital provided by Erebor Bank. This latest investment brings the total equity and debt raised by REGENT to $340 million.

AirPro News analysis

We view the successful crewed flight of the Viceroy prototype as a critical de-risking event for REGENT. Transitioning from uncrewed sub-scale models to a human-crewed prototype is historically one of the most challenging phases for novel aerospace and maritime architectures. The ability to demonstrate stable flight in ground effect with personnel on board provides tangible data for regulatory bodies like the United States Coast Guard (USCG), which will oversee the maritime certification of these vehicles.

The rapid succession of the $240 million Series B announcement and the crewed flight milestone suggests strong alignment between the company’s engineering progress and its capitalization strategy. With a dedicated manufacturing facility already completed, REGENT appears positioned to execute its transition from prototyping to low-rate initial production, provided the regulatory framework for commercial WIG operations matures in tandem with the hardware.

Sources: REGENT Craft Inc.

Photo Credit: REGENT Craft Inc.

Continue Reading
Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Advertisement

Follow Us

newsletter

Latest

Categories

Tags

Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Popular News