Trump signs executive order establishing U.S. Space Academy for military and civilian space roles
President Trump signed an executive order Friday establishing the nation's first U.S. Space Academy at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The academy will train people for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and the civilian space industry. Trump cited rapid growth in the Space Force and commercial space sector, plus expanded goals for lunar and deep space exploration, as reasons for the new institution. The academy will be modeled after West Point and other military service academies. A presidential commission led by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has 120 days to submit a report recommending the academy's location, curriculum, governance structure, and service obligations. Trump said he'll announce the location very soon. Space Force currently has roughly ten thousand members, and officials have proposed doubling that workforce. Many details remain undetermined as the planning process begins.
Key facts
- Executive order signed August 28, 2026, at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston
- Academy will train Space Force members, NASA personnel, and civilian space industry workers
- Presidential Commission has 120 days to report on location, curriculum, and governance
- Commission led by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman; includes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink
- U.S. Space Force currently has approximately 10,000 members with plans to double workforce
- Academy modeled after West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy
How different outlets framed it
Right-leaning coverage: Conservative sources frame the Space Academy as part of Trump's broader space leadership legacy, noting it continues initiatives from his first term including creation of the Space Force in 2019. Right-leaning outlets emphasize American space superiority and Trump's commitment to moon landings by 2028 and future Mars missions.
Limits of this briefing
No significant Democratic or progressive political response to the announcement was found in coverage. The Space Academy remains in early planning stages with many operational details to be determined over the next 120 days.
Sources
- NASA: President Trump Signs Executive Order to Create US Space Academy Centre
- NBC News: Trump signs order to create space-focused military academy Centre
- Al Jazeera: President Donald Trump signs order creating US Space Academy Centre
- Defense One: Here's what Trump's new Space Academy could mean for the U.S. military Centre
- CBS News: Trump signs executive order to create a U.S. Space Academy Centre