Trump Orders U.S. Space Academy

President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order to establish the United States Space Academy at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, according to a NASA news release issued Aug. 28, 2026. The proposed institution would train engineers, scientists, technicians, operators and other professionals for careers in the government and commercial space sectors.

The academy is intended to combine technical education with leadership development, discipline and public service. The executive order cites the growing U.S. Space Force, expansion of the commercial space industry and planned missions to the Moon and beyond as reasons for developing a larger space workforce.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will chair a new Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, while NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson will serve as executive director. The commission will also include representatives from the White House and other federal agencies.

The commission is required to submit a report to the president within 120 days. Its recommendations will address the academy’s governance, potential service obligations for graduates, location, legislative requirements and other elements needed to establish the institution.

The order was signed at Johnson Space Center, where Trump also presented the Artemis II crew members with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. NASA said the initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration, science and technology.