Jenet: NASA Tech Trek represents pivotal moment for South Texas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Dr. Fredrick “Rick” Jenet, founder and executive director of Expanding Frontiers, says the upcoming NASA Tech Trek kickoff event represents a “pivotal moment” for South Texas.

In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Jenet said the NASA Tech Trek kickoff event is an initiative designed to ignite the spirit of innovation in South Texas by empowering entrepreneurs to forge impactful startups around cutting-edge NASA technologies. 

The event is set to take place both online and at the Brownsville Event Center on June 12.

Jenet predicted the event will engage a global audience of space entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators.

“NASA Tech Trek aims to connect participants with the technological advancements and collaborative opportunities within the aerospace industry,” Jenet said.

“I believe that by harnessing the power of NASA technology, together we can unlock new opportunities and create a brighter future for South Texas.”

Expanding Frontiers is a Brownsville-based non-profit that focuses on developing a commercial space ecosystem through educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Jenet said his group leverages partnerships like NASA Tech Trek to inspire and educate the next generation of space industry leaders.

“The NASA Tech Trek kickoff event represents a pivotal moment for South Texas, as it marks the beginning of a transformative initiative fully supported by NASA HQ aimed at driving innovation and economic growth in our community,” Jenet said.

SpaceX participation

Kathryn Lueders

In his interview with Guardian, Jenet announced that Kathryn Lueders, general manager of SpaceX’s Starbase facility at Boca Chica, will give the keynote at NASA Tech Trek.

“We are honored to have Kathy Lueders, SpaceX’s Starbase general manager, as our keynote speaker. Her presence underscores the significance of this program and highlights the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and organizations like Expanding Frontiers.”

Jenet pointed out that Lueders has extensive space industry experience, having recently retired from a prolific career at NASA where she led the Space Operations Mission Directorate.

He said Lueders will bring a wealth of experience to the NASA Tech Trek event. 

“Kathryn Lueders’ participation is pivotal, providing attendees with unique insights into both government and commercial space operations. Her experience will illuminate the challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic space sector and inspire new ventures,” Jenet said. 

“Now, as the general manager of SpaceX’s Starbase, she is at the forefront of developing the next generation of space transportation systems with SpaceX’s Starship.”

Opportunities for Aspiring Space Entrepreneurs

Asked why NASA Tech Trek matters, Jenet said: “This event is a cornerstone for those looking to enter the aerospace industry, offering insights into transitioning NASA-developed technologies into viable commercial applications. 

“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and gain firsthand knowledge critical to fostering innovation in aerospace.”

Editor’s Note: Participants are encouraged to register for the hybrid event to secure their place. For more information about the event and to register, visit www.nasatechtrek.org.

A NASA Tech Trek kickoff event flyer.

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