President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday creating a presidential commission to develop plans for a new United States Space Academy, a proposed federal institution designed to train future leaders in space-related fields.
The commission will advise the President on how to establish the NASA-led academy, which would combine technical education with leadership development, discipline and public service. The initiative is intended to strengthen the U.S. space workforce as the administration seeks to maintain American leadership in space exploration, technology, commerce and national security.
The proclamation, signed on August 28, establishes the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy. NASA’s administrator will serve as the commission’s chair, while the assistant to the President for science and technology and the assistant to the President for economic policy will serve as vice chairs.
The deputy administrator of NASA will serve as executive director.
What the Space Academy Would Do
The proposed academy would prepare students for careers supporting the nation’s military, civilian and commercial space activities.
According to the White House, the institution would focus on developing astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants and warfighters capable of advancing U.S. interests in space.
The academy’s proposed mission would extend beyond traditional technical education. The administration said it would seek to develop graduates with leadership skills, discipline and a commitment to public service.
The proclamation also calls for the commission to examine whether graduates should have service obligations, including potential service in the Armed Forces or civilian federal government.
Commission Has 120 Days To Make Recommendations
The commission has 120 days from the date of the order to submit a report to Trump outlining how the Space Academy could be established.
Among the issues the commission must examine are the academy’s governance structure, organizational authorities, and accreditation. It will also consider whether the academy should be established within NASA.
The report is expected to address potential degree programs, experiential training and leadership development, as well as requirements for applicants. Those requirements could include citizenship, security clearances, and government or military status.
The commission also must recommend a process for choosing a permanent location for the academy.
Other areas of review include potential pilot programs and partnerships, coordination with existing federal education programs, and legislation that may be required to establish the institution.
After the President approves the recommendations and any necessary legislation is enacted, the NASA administrator would implement the plan in coordination with other federal agencies and subject to available funding.
Space Workforce a National Security Priority
The administration’s fact sheet describes space as a critical domain for national security, economic growth, scientific discovery and technological innovation.
The White House said maintaining U.S. leadership will require recruiting and retaining highly skilled workers capable of supporting an increasingly competitive space environment.
The proposed academy is intended to help address that need by encouraging Americans to pursue technical fields that the administration says do not currently have enough educational programs and graduates to sustain U.S. space capabilities.
Trump’s fact sheet also points to actions taken during his administration and first term involving space policy, including the creation of the U.S. Space Force and policies supporting NASA’s Artemis program and commercial space development.
The White House cited the April 2026 Artemis II mission, which sent American astronauts into lunar orbit for the first time in more than 50 years, as an example of the nation’s continuing space ambitions.
Academy Still Requires Further Steps
Friday’s order does not immediately establish a functioning university or academy. Instead, it creates the commission that will develop recommendations for how such an institution could be structured and operated.
The order states that implementation must comply with existing law and depends on available appropriations. Any recommendations requiring new legislation would also have to go through Congress.
For now, the commission’s work will determine key details, including the academy’s location, curriculum, admissions requirements, potential service commitments, and organizational structure.
Provided by Dallas Express
