Texas is no longer known only for NASA’s historic connection with human spaceflight. The state has become a major centre for military aircraft production, commercial space launches, helicopter engineering, aircraft modification and rocket manufacturing.
Texas has more than 2,200 aerospace, aviation and related establishments employing almost 160,000 people. It ranks third nationally for aerospace product and parts manufacturing firms, while 21 of the 23 Fortune 1000 aerospace and defence companies have operations in the state.
The following companies were selected for their operational scale, important Texas facilities, major aerospace programmes and contribution to aircraft or spacecraft development. This is an editorial selection rather than a strict ranking by company revenue.
1. Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has one of the most important military-aircraft manufacturing operations in the United States at its Fort Worth facility. The site is the headquarters of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and the main production centre for the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.
The Fort Worth operation employs approximately 19,000 people. Lockheed Martin reported that the workforce delivered a record 191 F-35 aircraft during 2025. The mile-long production line supports aircraft assembly, engineering, testing, sustainment and programme management.
Apart from the F-35, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics supports aircraft and advanced-development programmes connected with the F-16, C-130, F-22 and Skunk Works. Its scale, specialised workforce and long history in Fort Worth make it one of the foundations of the Texas aerospace industry.
Why Lockheed Martin is important in Texas: The company combines large-scale manufacturing with advanced military-aircraft engineering and supports one of the world’s biggest combat-aircraft supply chains.
- Fort Worth address: 1 Lockheed Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76108
- Official website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/
2. SpaceX
SpaceX has transformed South Texas into one of the world’s most closely watched centres for commercial spaceflight. Development, manufacturing, testing and launching of the Starship system take place at Starbase, which is now also the company’s principal executive location.
Starship is being developed as a fully reusable transportation system for satellites, lunar missions and future deep-space operations. SpaceX conducted Starship’s twelfth flight test from Starbase in May 2026, showing that Texas remains central to the programme’s testing campaign.
The company also operates a 4,000-acre rocket-development facility in McGregor. SpaceX uses the site to test engines, vehicle structures and spacecraft systems. Merlin engines for Falcon rockets and Draco thrusters for Dragon spacecraft undergo testing there.
Why SpaceX is important in Texas: Few companies combine rocket manufacturing, engine testing and orbital launch activity within the same state. Its Starbase and McGregor operations have made Texas a major commercial-space hub.
- Principal executive address: 1 Rocket Road, Starbase, TX 78521
- Official website: https://www.spacex.com/
3. Bell Textron
Bell is headquartered in Fort Worth and has been closely connected with Texas aviation for more than 75 years. Its global headquarters contains leadership teams, engineering groups, test laboratories, quality operations and support functions for commercial and military programmes.
The company is widely known for helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. Its current flagship military programme is the MV-75 Cheyenne II, developed as the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. Bell is progressing toward the first test aircraft while expanding and modernising its Fort Worth manufacturing operations.
Bell has also announced a 447,000-square-foot factory in the Fort Worth area to manufacture components for the MV-75 programme. This investment strengthens North Texas as a centre for advanced vertical-lift technology.
Why Bell is important in Texas: Bell brings together corporate leadership, rotorcraft engineering, flight research and advanced manufacturing in the Fort Worth region.
- Headquarters address: 3255 Bell Flight Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76118
- Official website: https://www.bellflight.com/
4. Boeing
Boeing maintains operations in several Texas cities, including Plano, Dallas, Irving and San Antonio. Nearly 7,000 Boeing employees work across the state, making the company a major aerospace and defence employer.
San Antonio is Boeing’s largest Texas location, with more than 3,000 employees. The facility performs aircraft maintenance, modification and support for platforms including the C-17, F-15 and B-52. It also provides specialised services for the United States Executive Fleet. Nearly half of the San Antonio workforce consists of military veterans.
Unlike companies mainly focused on manufacturing new aircraft in Texas, Boeing’s San Antonio strength lies in maintenance, upgrades and complex sustainment work. These services can extend aircraft life, add new capabilities and maintain mission readiness.
Why Boeing is important in Texas: Its large workforce and military-aircraft modification expertise give Texas an important role in Boeing’s defence and aircraft-support network.
- San Antonio address: 375 Airlift Drive, San Antonio, TX 78226
- Official website: https://www.boeing.com/
5. Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a Texas-born sace and defence technology company with its headquarters and spacecraft operations near Austin. Its Texas facilities support launch vehicles, lunar landers and orbital spacecraft.
The company operates a 200-acre Rocket Ranch in Briggs, where it conducts launch-vehicle production, integration and testing. The site contains six test stands and specialised equipment for producing rocket structures and engines. Firefly’s Alpha rockets are manufactured in Texas before being transported to launch locations.
Firefly also developed the Blue Ghost lunar lander, which became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully land and operate on the Moon. In 2026, the company received another NASA contract worth $144 million for a future Blue Ghost lunar mission.
Why Firefly Aerospace is important in Texas: It is one of the few Texas companies working across launch vehicles, lunar landers and in-space transportation from closely connected local facilities.
- Headquarters address: 2203 Scottsdale Drive, Leander, TX 78641
- Official website: https://fireflyspace.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is NASA not included in this list?
A: NASA is a United States federal government agency, not a privately owned or publicly traded aerospace company. Its Johnson Space Center in Houston remains vital to Texas aerospace, but it does not fall within the company category used for this article.
Q: Which of these aerospace companies are headquartered in Texas?
A: SpaceX lists Starbase as its principal executive address, Bell has its global headquarters in Fort Worth, and Firefly Aerospace is headquartered near Austin. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is headquartered in Fort Worth, although the parent corporation is based outside Texas. Boeing has major Texas operations but its corporate headquarters is outside the state.
Q: Are all aerospace jobs in Texas engineering positions?
A: No. These companies also employ technicians, aircraft mechanics, welders, machinists, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, quality inspectors, programme managers and supply-chain professionals. Boeing’s Texas operations, for example, include engineering, manufacturing, product support and technology-related work.
Q: Can the public visit these aerospace facilities?
A: Most production and testing areas are controlled industrial or defence facilities and are not open for casual public entry. Visits normally require prior approval, identification and an employee sponsor. Bell, for example, requires visitors to be registered before arriving at its headquarters.
Q: Which parts of Texas have the strongest aerospace presence?
A: Dallas–Fort Worth is particularly strong in military aircraft, helicopters and aerospace manufacturing. San Antonio is important for aircraft maintenance and modification, Central Texas supports rocket and spacecraft production, and South Texas has emerged as a major launch and Starship-development centre.
