SpaceX Set to Construct a New Educational Institute in Texas

SpaceX to Build New School in Brownsville, Texas

SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer and transportation company led by Elon Musk, has announced plans to build a new school in South Texas, near the Boca Chica launch site. The 34,365 sq.ft. facility, estimated to cost $20 million, is set to open in January 2026.

The school, named Ad Astra, will focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and aims to create a dynamic learning experience where students engage in problem-solving activities that challenge traditional educational norms. The curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation.

The Ad Astra concept was originally developed by Elon Musk and educator Josh Dahn. Although the first iteration of the school was established at SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, California, and later evolved into an independent online school named Astra Nova, the Brownsville school will mark a return to the original vision.

Co-founder Josh Dahn clarified that the school's small size does not make it exclusive. Admission criteria are based primarily on a student's eagerness to learn and curiosity about the world.

The school's location, 48804 TX-4, Brownsville, Texas, places it near SpaceX's Starbase, where the company conducts development and testing of its rockets. This strategic positioning allows for potential collaborations and real-world learning opportunities.

SpaceX has also supported an Ad Astra school in Bastrop, Texas, serving children aged 3 to 9. The current operational iteration of the program is the Ad Astra school in Bastrop.

The first phase of the school's construction is set to begin in April 2025. The school will operate as a Montessori-style facility, providing education from infancy to grade 12.

For those seeking more specific details, consulting official press releases from SpaceX or local reports on educational institutions in Brownsville may prove helpful. However, information regarding the specific founders of the Ad Astra project in Brownsville is limited at this time.