Italian aerospace innovation is gaining ground in Texas as Involve Space, a technology company founded in Como in 2021, establishes its first U.S. office at Houston Spaceport, located at Ellington Airport.
The expansion represents a milestone for the company, which develops high-altitude balloon systems for Earth observation, scientific research, and aerospace technology testing. Its American headquarters will support commercial operations and partnerships with U.S. businesses and research institutions.
Founded by Jonathan Polotto, Involve Space plans to begin commercial missions from Houston by the end of 2026. The company already demonstrated its capabilities in January 2025, when a balloon launched from Houston Spaceport reached approximately 85,000 feet and traveled 250 miles across Texas during a five-hour flight.
The Italian company has also established a partnership with Houston-based Rhodium Scientific, led by CEO Olivia Gamez Holzhaus. The collaboration will enable biotechnology experiments to be tested in the stratosphere before advancing to orbital missions.
Involve Space has completed more than 200 flights, deployed over 40 payloads, and raised €16.5 million in funding. In 2026, it secured a €12.5 million European investment package to accelerate its technological development.
Houston Spaceport, established in 2015, covers approximately 400 acres and hosts a growing aerospace ecosystem connected to NASA and private space companies.
While research, engineering, and manufacturing remain in Como, the new Houston operation strengthens cooperation between Italy and the United States, creating opportunities for Italian expertise in one of America's most dynamic technological industries.
