- Baytown Local News Events
- Posts
- Texas A&M Space Institute👨🚀
Texas A&M Space Institute👨🚀
Baytown Park Project Updates🌳

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In This Baytown Local Spotlight Issue:
☀ Baytown, Tx. Weather
📆 Greater Baytown Area Events
👨🚀 Texas A&M Space Institute to Train Future Astronauts and Advance Space Exploration
🌳 Baytown Winter 2024-25 Park Project Updates
📰 Job Listings
🐝 Bite-Sized Buzz
❓ ‼ New Subscriber Poll - 👉Your Input Is Invaluable to Us!
❓ Trivia


Today’s Record High: 80 in 1999 - Record Low: 24 in 2011

While we strive to ensure that all of our events are current and accurate, please always check to ensure that the event is still scheduled and that the information below is correct.
"Creatures & Critters!" Art Show Thursdays-Saturdays Feb. 6-22 @Art League of Baytown 110 W. Texas Ave.
Custom Sneakers Class Feb. 15th 9am-4pm @ And Sew It Began -
Retreat & Quilt Shop 211 S 1st St, La Porte40th Annual Awards Gala - MB Area Chamber of Commerce
Feb. 20th @ 6 pm Tickets & InfoMont Belvieu Market at the Park, Sat. March 1st.- 8am - Noon
Deaf Social Where Bakery - Mar. 1st - 11 am @
Heart & Whisk Bakery 4618 N. Main St., BaytownWest Chambers Deaf Social – Mar. 8th @ 11 am. @
The Toasted Yolk in Mt. Belvieu 13001 I-10 EastSpring Market @ Town Square - Mar.15th -10:00am-2:00pm - 213 W Texas Ave
Baytown's 2025 Run for Your Wildlife 1k/5k - March 22nd. 3:30pm - ??
Ultimate Food Truck Cookoff - Sat. March 22nd - 9am-11 pm
Lomax Rodeo Arena, 1508 Lomax School Rd.Baytown Trash Bash Sat. March 29th 8am-12noon @ Baytown Nature Center

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Texas A&M Space Institute to Train Future
Astronauts and Advance Space Exploration
If you’ve recently driven past NASA’s Johnson Space Center, you may have noticed heavy equipment moving dirt and preparing the land. That’s because the Texas A&M University Space Institute is officially underway. For those who have been following this project, it’s an exciting milestone. But for many, this may be the first time hearing about it.
This new facility, backed by a $200 million investment from the Texas Legislature, is set to become a world-class center for space research, training, and innovation. Built next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the institute will feature the largest indoor simulations of the Moon and Mars, providing an unparalleled environment for astronaut training and mission development.
The Texas A&M Space Institute is the first tenant in NASA’s 240-acre Exploration Park, a hub designed to foster collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and private space companies. Research conducted here will drive advancements in spacecraft design, propulsion systems, robotics, and life support technologies—critical components for the future of human spaceflight.
Beyond research, the facility will play a key role in preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals. With the rapid expansion of the space industry, Texas A&M is ensuring that students and workers are ready to take on the challenges of space exploration.
Set to open in September 2026, this project isn’t just about space—it’s about Texas leading the way in innovation, discovery, and economic growth. If NASA has always felt like a distant dream, this institute is bringing it right into our backyard.
For Those Who Haven’t Heard About It, Here’s What to Know:
Construction Has Begun: Texas A&M is building a cutting-edge Space Institute next to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
State-Funded Investment: The Texas Legislature approved $200 million for this high-tech facility.
What’s Inside? The institute will feature massive indoor lunar and Martian simulation spaces, advanced labs, and research facilities.
Why It Matters: This institute will help train astronauts, advance space technology, and develop solutions for human spaceflight.
Who Benefits? Students, researchers, engineers, and Texas’ growing space industry will all gain from this project.
Opening Timeline: The facility is expected to be operational by September 2026.

Picture Courtesy of City of Baytown
Parks & Recreation Dept.
Baytown Winter 2024-25
Park Project Updates
As Baytown continues to enhance its recreational spaces, we're excited to share updates on several ongoing park projects. From new amenities to seasonal maintenance, these efforts aim to improve our community's outdoor experiences. Here's the latest on what's happening in Baytown parks.
⚽ Upgrades at the Baytown Soccer Park
Construction on the new playground at Baytown Soccer Park has faced delays due to persistent wet weather and site flooding.
While our team has been actively pumping water from the construction area, the ground remains too saturated to support heavy equipment without risking further damage to the park. We appreciate the community’s patience and will continue to provide updates as conditions improve.
💡 Jenkins Park Lighting Repair
Repairs are currently underway at W.L. Jenkins Park to restore power to damaged light poles along the outer trail.
These efforts will enhance safety and accessibility for evening and early morning parkgoers.
🥏 Tabbs Bay Disc Golf
An elevated golf experience is coming to Baytown with the introduction of a new Tabbs Bay Disc Golf course, set along the outer perimeter of Tabbs Bay Ball Golf Course. This free-to-play disc course will be open to the public, offering a fun and accessible recreational and competitive option for all. While it remains a separate amenity provided by Parks and Recreation, the course is a collaborative effort with Tabbs Bay to enhance the range of public offerings.
The disc golf course will have shared use of some of the ball golf amenities such as golf cart rentals, restaurant and bar service, as well as a clubhouse with restroom facilities.
BPD Hiring Certified Patrol Officers
Click to Apply



Photo Courtesy ExxonMobil
Baytown Welcomes New ExxonMobil Chemical Plant Manager
Riccardo Cavallo who hails from Italy, brings a wealth of experience, most recently from the Fawley Refinery. Riccardo is eager to support the Baytown community and help us grow stronger together. “What we do every day matters—it makes a real difference to Baytown and ExxonMobil.”
👋NEW-Follow Up Subscriber Poll
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Answer in Wednesday’s newsletter!

Monday’s answer:
A) It can impersonate multiple different species to avoid predators.
Monday’s Quiz -What bizarre feature makes the mimic octopus one of the most unique animals in the ocean?
Answer: A) It can impersonate multiple different species to avoid predators.
The mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) has an extraordinary ability to imitate the appearance and movements of more than 15 different species, including lionfish, sea snakes, jellyfish, and flatfish. By adapting its shape and behavior, it tricks predators into thinking it's something far more dangerous!
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