NASA seeks 300-acre site for US Space Academy, bids due October 26

September 11, 2026 at 09:20 PM2 min

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NASA released a Request for Information detailing the proposed US Space Academy, seeking a permanent site of at least 300 acres. The document sets a groundbreaking no later than next year, with the first class enrolled in temporary facilities in 2028 and a transition to a permanent campus in 2031. All 50 states are invited to submit bids by October 26.

Key Facts

NASA's Request for Information seeks a permanent site of at least 300 acres for the US Space Academy.
The timeline targets a groundbreaking no later than next year, first class enrollment in temporary facilities in 2028, and a permanent campus transition in 2031.
The campus will initially support 1,200 undergraduates, with potential expansion to 4,000 students.
All 50 states are invited to submit a single response by October 26, specifying land, infrastructure, and funding contributions.
A presidential commission chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will review proposals, with President Donald Trump making the final decision.

Site Requirements

NASA seeks a permanent site with at least 300 acres for the Space Academy, which aims to prepare a new generation of leaders to explore, build, operate, secure, and defend the space domain. Proximity to NASA facilities or university campuses could be a plus. The campus will initially support 1,200 undergraduates, with the potential to expand to up to 4,000 students.

Bidding Process

The document, called a Request for Information, kicks off the bidding process among US states to house the Space Academy. All 50 states are invited to submit a single response, specifying their contributions such as land, infrastructure, funding, and more. Respondents are also asked to provide a rough-order-of-magnitude estimate of the cost to establish and operate the Space Academy at their proposed locations. Submissions are due back to NASA by October 26.

Selection Authority

NASA will initially review and rate the proposals, which will then be considered by a presidential commission appointed by Donald Trump and chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Members of this commission include Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Trump will make the final decision, which will likely favor red or Republican-leaning states.