AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Space Commission (TSC) announced that they opened grant applications for the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF), according to a news release from Abbott's office. "These SEARF Grant applications will be used to evaluate proposals that will help further strengthen the state's leading position in civil, commercial, and military aerospace activity," the release said. The 88th Texas Legislature put $150 million toward SEARF grants, the release said.Which entities are eligible? involving spaceflight and space exploration research developing infrastructure for the establishment or maintenance of a spaceport curating post-mission materials in spaceflight and space exploration training that supports spaceflight and space exploration workforce developing technologies required for human spaceflight KXAN reported Abbott created the Texas Space Commission a year ago to solidify Texas' spot in the space industry. "Texas is the launchpad for Mars, and by opening these grant applications, we will continue to propel our state’s robust aerospace industry to even greater heights," Abbott said. Businesses and nonprofits that are associated within the space exploration, research or aeronautics industry -- which TSC has entered an intergovernmental agreement -- are eligible to apply, the release said. Those interested in applying can access applications through space.texas.gov and must submit electronically through [email protected].