schools
UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School students create projects for NASA
By Travis M. Whitehead at MyRGV
· June 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Ramses Mares, left, is pictured next to Rebecca Lawler, a NASA astronaut candidate, Ariel Mata and Mercedes Espinoza in this undated photo. (Courtesy photo)
HARLINGEN — Even in the peace and the serenity and the glory of the stars, space travelers can still get headaches.
Now, thanks to a team fr...
Key takeaway (Courtesy photo) HARLINGEN — Even in the peace and the serenity and the glory of the stars, space travelers can still get headaches.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The work of UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School students on NASA projects is a testament to the growing presence of the space industry in the Rio Grande Valley. With SpaceX's Starbase launch site at Boca Chica, just outside of Brownsville , the region is becoming a hub for space exploration and development. The participation of local students in NASA's HUNCH program not only provides them with valuable hands-on experience but also fosters a pipeline of talented young engineers and scientists who can contribute to the industry's growth in the area. As the space industry continues to expand in the Valley, initiatives like HUNCH can help ensure that local students are well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities and play a role in shaping the region's economic future. The skills and knowledge gained by these students will be invaluable in driving innovation and development in the Valley's burgeoning space sector.
About this story
Original reporting by MyRGV . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit MyRGV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 1, 2026 ·
Source: MyRGV ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? Ramses Mares, left, is pictured next to Rebecca Lawler, a NASA astronaut candidate, Ariel Mata and Mercedes Espinoza in this undated photo. (Courtesy photo)
HARLINGEN — Even in the peace and the serenity and the glory of the stars, space travelers can still get headaches.
Now, thanks to a team fr...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 1, 2026 by MyRGV and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Travis M. Whitehead at MyRGV. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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