Context and Clarity: Texas State University’s Agreement with X-Bow

General Statement from Texas State University:  

San Marcos and the Texas Hill Country are our home. Many of us live here, raise our families here, and care deeply about this land. Protecting the Edwards Aquifer, our community, and our natural resources is not just part of our mission at Texas State — it’s personal.

The university-owned Freeman Ranch supports vital research in water management, sustainability, agriculture, and ecology. Any project we allow there must meet very high standards for safety and environmental protection.

We’ve entered into a cooperative research agreement with X-Bow that allows for static fire testing of solid rocket motors (SRMs). That means the rocket motor is secured in place — it does not launch. The site was selected because it meets strict technical and safety requirements and because its proximity to the university allows for research collaboration.

X-Bow has obtained all required permits and complies with state environmental regulations. The materials used are industry-standard and tightly regulated. All testing will be conducted under carefully controlled conditions designed to prevent contamination or runoff.

Protecting the Edwards Aquifer is absolutely critical. Safeguards are in place to ensure that water resources are protected. Any water used during testing is collected, treated as required, and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. In the unlikely event of a test issue, there are strict containment and cleanup protocols that must be followed.

We are also committed to protecting wildlife and will comply with all regulations, including those related to the Golden-cheeked Warbler nesting season.

At the end of the day, the safety of people and protection of our environment comes first. That commitment guides every decision we make at Freeman Ranch.

Texas State respects community concerns and believes it is important that discussions are informed by accurate information. The university’s decisions are guided by safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. 

What does the agreement involve?

Texas State University and X-Bow entered into a cooperative research agreement, announced in November 2024, allowing for static fire testing of advanced solid rocket motors (SRMs) at the university-owned Freeman Ranch. Static testing means the rocket motor remains secured in place and does not launch.

Safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection are foundational elements of this partnership. 

What environmental review and permitting has taken place?

X-Bow has obtained all required permits and complies with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and all other applicable standards.

Both Texas State and X-Bow are committed to meeting or exceeding environmental requirements. The solid rocket motor materials used are industry standard and tightly regulated. All testing is conducted under carefully controlled conditions designed to prevent contamination, runoff, or environmental damage.

Protecting the land and water resources of Freeman Ranch is a non-negotiable priority. 

What protection measures are in place for the Edwards Aquifer and water resources?

Protecting the Edwards Aquifer is critical to TXST and to our region.

All testing is conducted under controlled conditions with strict safeguards in place to prevent contamination or runoff. The project follows comprehensive remediation protocols, including containment procedures, cleanup standards, and environmental assessments.

Water used in testing, including quench water, is collected, treated as required, and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

Additionally, Texas State and X-Bow will comply with all wildlife protection regulations, including requirements related to the Golden-cheeked Warbler nesting season. 

What other safeguards are in place?  

All operations are designed with protection of the aquifer and surrounding environment as the highest priority.

Static testing is conducted under controlled conditions. While rare, any test anomaly or failure is managed through strict containment and remediation protocols. These include cleanup procedures and environmental impact assessments to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Water and materials used during testing are handled in accordance with environmental standards to prevent contamination.

In every aspect of this project, safety of people, protection of water resources, and preservation of the Hill Country environment guide our actions. 

How often will testing happen?

We are planning for one test fire every three to four months. Each test fire lasts between 20-30 seconds with an expected noise level similar to a train horn.