How the Space Economy Could Drive Industrial Development
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed. No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH’s case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
Space Innovation, Ground-Level Development
The growth of the space economy could create new opportunities far beyond what happens in orbit.
During a Bisnow panel discussion, Jennifer of JRH Engineering shared how emerging activities such as space-based manufacturing and data centers could translate into real development needs here on the ground.
Manufacturing and assembly tied to the space industry could increase demand for industrial buildings and supporting infrastructure in the Houston area.
As the space economy expands around NASA and Johnson Space Center, the link between innovation in space and development on the ground is becoming more important.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
From Orbit to Industrial Parks
Space-based manufacturing: products made or tested for space still need factories, clean assembly areas and warehouses on Earth
Data centers: facilities supporting space data and computing need large pads, utility capacity and reliable drainage
Suppliers: fabricators and logistics firms often cluster near the companies they serve
Houston Spaceport at Ellington
Houston Airports received FAA approval in 2015 to establish a commercial spaceport at Ellington Airport
Houston Airports reports more than 350 greenfield acres still to be developed
Houston Airports also reports more than $10 billion in aerospace contracts at the spaceport
State Support
The Texas Space Commission’s Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund offers grants to businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities
What Space-Related Industry Needs on the Ground
Large, flat pads for manufacturing, assembly and storage buildings
Heavy slabs and foundations for cranes and test equipment
Utility capacity for water, sewer, power and fire protection (MEP design by others)
Detention pond and drainage design that meets local criteria without eating up building area
Project: Miller Rd. Fabrication Shop Expansion, Houston, TX
This was not a space project, but it shows the site work industrial suppliers need.
Building addition on an existing industrial site in Houston, Harris County
Read the full Miller Rd. case study
Challenges
The owner needed to know whether existing detention pond storage could handle the added impervious area
Objectives
Document the existing detention pond capacity.
Avoid building new drainage infrastructure.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Documented the capacity of the existing detention pond system
Designed the fire lane as the main new civil engineering element
Coordinated both agency submittals at the same time
Results:
New detention pond engineering eliminated
Industrial Development in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
See the Houston Spaceport, the Texas Space Commission and TCEQ construction stormwater.
North Carolina
Erosion control plans for more than 1 acre need approval under G.S. 113A-57.
Florida
Most stormwater systems need an Environmental Resource Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Houston Spaceport?
A commercial spaceport at Ellington Airport, approved by the FAA in 2015.
How much land is available at the Houston Spaceport?
Houston Airports reports more than 350 greenfield acres still to be developed.
Does Texas offer grants for space-related businesses?
Yes, the Texas Space Commission’s SEARF program offers grants to eligible businesses and entities.
What site features do aerospace suppliers need?
Large pads, heavy foundations, utility capacity and compliant drainage.
How could the space economy affect Houston development?
Space-related manufacturing, assembly and data centers could increase demand for industrial buildings and infrastructure.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
Want More Information on this Topic?
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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