Trump orders commission to plan Space Academy with possible military service requirement
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to create a Space Academy. The order appoints a commission chaired by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman to plan the academy and consider military service requirements for graduates. The commission has 120 days to submit a report to Trump.
Key Facts
- Trump signed the executive order on Friday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
- The commission is chaired by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman and includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
- The commission has 120 days to submit a report to Trump proposing key details for the Space Academy.
- The executive order instructs the commission to consider imposing military-service requirements on academy graduates.
Executive Order Details
Trump signed the executive order on Friday at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston during a ceremony where he presented the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the four Artemis II crew members. The order appoints a commission chaired by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman and including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. The commission is tasked with planning a new national academy to strengthen the nation's space workforce. The order calls for an evaluation of service obligations for graduates, including service in the armed forces. It also explores prerequisites for applicants, including citizenship status, security clearances, and government employment or military status.
Military Service Requirement
The executive order instructs the commission to consider imposing military-service requirements on academy graduates. Currently, the Space Force commissions new officers through the Air Force Academy, ROTC, or Officer Training School. The Space Force does not lack for recruits, although its civilian workforce was cut during last year's federal workforce purge. Air Force officials declined to comment and clarify details of the executive order. White House spokespeople did not immediately respond when asked for details and how a Space Academy would interact with the armed services and officer-commissioning pathways.
Commission Timeline
The commission has 120 days to submit a report to Trump proposing key details to establish the Space Academy. A White House fact sheet said the Space Academy will combine rigorous technical education with leadership development and public service. The fact sheet said the academy will prepare graduates for careers supporting America's military, civil, and broader space enterprise.
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Trump orders commission to plan Space Academy with possible military service requirement
