NASA Begins Work on U.S. Space Academy, Invites States to Host

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman chaired the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy on Sept. 9 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The following day, the agency published a Request for Information seeking proposals from governors or their designees to host and sponsor the academy in their state.

"Our first Commission meeting made clear how much talent and commitment we have behind President Trump's vision for the U.S. Space Academy," Isaacman said in a statement. "I'm grateful to our partners across government for getting right to work. Now, with the RFI underway, states across the country have an opportunity to help us shape a legacy institution built for America's future in space."

Commission members included U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, Secretary of the United States Air Force Troy Meink, and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Ethan Klein, representing the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Representatives from the Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the White House also participated.

During the meeting, members began working through the academy's structure and priorities, including governance, curriculum, service commitments, partnerships, and implementation. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson emphasized the importance of location: "We're asking states to bring their strongest vision — the infrastructure, the partnerships, and the community that can compete with the elite options this caliber of student will have."

The executive order was signed by President Trump on Aug. 28 during an event at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the Artemis II crew received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Why This Matters

The U.S. Space Academy is intended to shape the future of America's aerospace workforce and leadership, potentially creating a dedicated pipeline of space professionals similar to military service academies.
States competing to host the academy could see significant economic and educational investments, as well as a boost to their local aerospace industries.
The academy's creation signals the government's long-term commitment to space exploration and national security in orbit.

Background

The U.S. Space Academy is being established by executive order under President Trump, with NASA leading the planning. The academy is envisioned as a legacy institution modeled in part on other federal service academies, but focused on space-related disciplines. Its creation follows increasing competition in space activities, including renewed lunar exploration via the Artemis program and growing private-sector involvement. The commission includes representatives from defense, economic policy, science, and technology offices, indicating a whole-of-government approach.

Key Perspectives

NASA & the Administration: Position the academy as an essential investment in American leadership in space, offering elite education and training with associated service commitments. State Governments: Likely view hosting the academy as an economic development opportunity, attracting high-tech talent and federal funding. The RFI invites states to propose infrastructure and partnerships. Critics/Skeptics: Without direct source material, potential concerns include cost duplication with existing military academies that already train space officers, and whether the academy will be sustainable long-term. Some may question the mission scope and curriculum.

What to Watch

Responses to the RFI: which states submit proposals and what partnerships they offer.
The commission's next meetings and timeline for selecting a host site.
Congressional involvement: whether the academy receives dedicated funding and authorization beyond the executive order.

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