NASA has formally opened bidding for states seeking to host the proposed United States Space Academy, issuing a Request for Information following the first meeting of a presidential commission. NASA published the document on Sept. 10 to solicit site proposals from governors across the country.
Jared Isaacman, the agency's administrator, chaired the commission's inaugural meeting on Sept. 9 at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The commission is operating under a 120-day mandate that began on Aug. 28, when President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the institution.
Federal officials attending the meeting included NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett, and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. Ethan Klein, the U.S. Chief Technology Officer, represented Director of Office and Technology Policy Michael Kratsios alongside representatives from the Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the White House.
Commission members began reviewing governance structures, academic curriculum, service commitments, partnerships, and implementation plans. Anderson noted that the site selection will be foundational to the academy's success, urging states to present robust infrastructure and community partnerships.
The project schedule outlines a groundbreaking no later than 2027. The academy will temporarily host an initial class of 300 students in 2028, with a permanent campus scheduled to open by 2031.
State governors or their designated representatives must submit bids by 6 p.m. EDT on Oct. 26, with each state restricted to a single application. Submissions must detail regulatory and environmental conditions, proximity to supporting ecosystems, and local resources available for the campus.
