Science and space! Tec and Space Center Houston are now partners

Tec de Monterrey and Space Center Houston have signed a collaboration agreement to establish learning and research projects with students and professors.

The actions that will arise from the agreement are related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

“We believe that the future of Monterrey and Mexico, which is promoted by Tec de Monterrey, involves using knowledge to create solutions for both the country and the world,” said Mario Adrián Flores, Vice President for the Tec’s Monterrey Region.

“It’s not just about importing solutions or products from other countries but creating them ourselves. I’m certain that this partnership with Space Center Houston means we can take very important steps,” he added.

The Tec director signed the collaboration agreement with William Harris, CEO of Space Center Houston, with the mayor of this Texan city, Sylvester Turner, being present as a witness.

“I’m certain that this partnership with Space Center Houston means we can take very important steps.” - Mario Adrián Flores.

Strengthening ties with Houston

Due to their proximity, Houston and Monterrey have many things in common and must work together to become stronger, said Mayor Turner.

“Houston understands the importance of robots, education, and technology required by the future, and we have agreed to share information and reach as many people as we can.

“In order for us to focus on the biggest challenges facing humanity, from energy, climate change, or returning to the moon, the next generation must be prepared with the right skills and knowledge,” he explained.

Mario Adrián Flores revealed that Houston has an innovation district just like the Tec de Monterrey, and he said that ties can also be built with the University of Houston and Rice.

“I believe that these Space Center projects, along with the talent we have in Mexico and on the Monterrey campus, could create great collaborations and learning but also contribute,” he said.

For space research and exploration

“Houston is the place for astronauts,” said William Harris.

Space Center Houston offers educational programs from junior grade through university and brings together the commercial and academic sectors with the public sector and government, Harris pointed out.

The CEO added that space exploration research is focused on improving humanity’s quality of life.

“We intend to have humans living on the moon to learn more about how we can create an interplanetary world.

“Because our goal is to be able to send human beings to Mars and eventually to other planets, we will achieve that in the future,” he said.

The CEO of Space Center Houston explained that specific discoveries have been made resulting from space research.

He recalled that over 300 experiments have been carried out from which valuable information has been obtained on the International Space Station, where 5 agencies from different countries collaborate.

“We have a better understanding of climate change. We realized that the ozone layer was opening up. We’ve had health research, we’ve had a better understanding of how to cure ourselves of various types of cancer.

“Communication systems that are so important, GPS systems. Such fundamental things in our lives as smartphones wouldn’t be possible without space research,” he stressed.

Houston at Tec de Monterrey

The Mayor of Houston had visited the Monterrey campus last year, in order to establish partnerships.

After the signing of the agreement, a panel took place with participation from Space Center Houston, Houston Space Port, and Texas Medical Center directors.

The Texas delegation that visited the institution was part of the “Houston Week” tourism mission, designed to solidify the city’s position in Mexico as a top city for global trade, tourism, and business.

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