NASA opens nationwide contest to host its new Space Academy

NewsPresident Donald Trump signs an executive order establishing the United States Space Academy at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, left; Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, third from left; and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, right, applaud on Aug. 28, 2026.NASA/John KrausBy Kayode Crown | kcrown@al.comFollowing an executive order on the establishment of the new U.S. Space Academy, NASA is calling on states to submit hosting proposals by 6 p.m. EDT on Monday, Oct. 26.“The location of the U.S. Space Academy is foundational to its success,” said Deputy NASA Administrator Matt Anderson, in a statement. “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 and match the boundless ambition of our future space leaders.”Proposals, limited to one per state, should include site information and readiness, environmental and regulatory considerations, and proximity and supporting ecosystems.Trump’s directive established the presidential commission on the academy with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman as the chair. The commission has been tasked with breaking ground by 2027, temporarily hosting the first 300 students in 2028 and opening a permanent location by 2031.According to NASA, the group met Sept. 9 to discuss the academy’s governance, curriculum, service commitments, partnerships and implementation.“American superiority in space depends not only on our technology, but on the strength, skill, and character of the Americans who explore, secure, and build the industries critical to it,” White House’s fact sheet on the space academy reads.Kayode Crown covers trending news and national stories, with a focus on money, federal benefits, military contracts, space news, collectibles and government programs that affect readers across the country. He...