NASA LAUNCHES COMPETITION FOR US SPACE ACADEMY CAMPUS SITE

NASA has released a request for information to US states seeking to host a new United States Space Academy, kicking off a competitive bidding process to determine the institution's location. According to NASA's timeline, the agency aims to break ground on a permanent campus no later than 2027, enrol the first class in temporary facilities in 2028, and move to the permanent site in 2031. All 50 states have been invited to submit proposals by 26 October, specifying contributions such as land, infrastructure and funding.

The Space Academy will initially accommodate 1,200 undergraduates, with potential expansion to 4,000 students, and will occupy a permanent site of at least 300 acres. NASA stated the institution aims to "prepare a new generation of leaders to explore, build, operate, secure, and defend the space domain." Proximity to existing NASA facilities or university campuses is listed as a potential advantage. States have been asked to provide cost estimates for establishing and operating the academy at their proposed locations, with the competition expected to attract bids from states including Texas, Florida and Alabama.

A presidential commission chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will review and rate state proposals before making a recommendation. The commission includes Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, and Secretary of the US Air Force Troy Meink. President Donald Trump will make the final decision on the academy's location. The commission held its first meeting on 9 September at NASA Headquarters in Washington.