Alabama’s congressional delegation is making its case for northern Alabama to be the home of a proposed U.S. Space Academy as NASA begins accepting proposals from states for the new institution.
Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, led a letter to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy urging it to consider northern Alabama, pointing to the region’s existing space, defense and research infrastructure.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order August 28 creating the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy and directing it to develop recommendations for a proposed NASA-led federal academy. The order gives the commission 120 days to recommend the academy’s structure, curriculum, graduate service requirements and a process for selecting its permanent location.
The proposed academy would train students for careers in areas including space science, engineering, operations, public service and national security.
The location has not been selected. The commission held its first meeting September 9, and NASA has opened a process for states interested in hosting the academy.
Each state can submit one response through its governor or the governor’s designee. Responses are due October 26, and the commission will consider them as it develops recommendations for the academy’s location and structure.
The delegation’s letter points to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command as existing assets that could support the academy.
“Specifically, we encourage you to prioritize co-locating the Academy in states where equities already exist, such as locations that bring together a NASA center, a strong federal and military presence, and an established research and technology park,” the letter reads.
Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, said the state already combines civilian, commercial and national security resources tied to the space industry.
“Given these unparalleled assets and Alabama’s storied legacy of supporting America’s most complex space missions, locating the U.S. Space Academy in North Alabama would be a natural fit and exceptional asset to our entire nation. I’m proud to join the entire Alabama delegation in making this recommendation. Alabama deserves every and all consideration,” Britt said.
The delegation also highlighted northern Alabama’s aerospace and defense companies, research institutions and workforce.
Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, said Huntsville’s existing federal presence and private-sector aerospace industry would give the academy access to resources already operating in the region.
“There is no better place for President Trump’s U.S. Space Academy than the great state of Alabama,” Tuberville said.
The lawmakers also pointed to northern Alabama’s history in the U.S. space program, including its work on the Saturn V rocket and NASA’s current Space Launch System.
“With these considerations in mind, North Alabama stands uniquely prepared to support the Academy’s mission and build upon NASA’s efforts to recruit, train and retain the next generation of highly educated and technically specialized aerospace talent,” the letter reads.
The proposed academy is expected to move on a relatively short timeline. NASA has said the plan calls for groundbreaking on a permanent campus no later than 2027, temporary facilities for an initial class in 2028 and a permanent location operating by 2031.
