The search is underway for a U.S. state to host a new national institution called the U.S. Space Academy. NASA announced the initiative on September 9, following a meeting led by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in Washington, D.C. The space agency has set a fast-paced schedule, with states encouraged to submit proposals by October 26, 2026, to be considered for hosting the academy. In a statement released on September 10, Isaacman emphasized the opportunity for states to contribute to what he called a "legacy institution built for America's future in space." The U.S. Space Academy will not be a purely military institution like the U.S. Naval Academy or West Point. Instead, it will be led by NASA and will focus on training future scientists, engineers, astronauts, and military personnel. The academy aims to prepare students for careers in high-tech fields critical to maintaining American leadership in space. If the plan proceeds as expected, the academy's first class of 300 students could begin instruction as early as 2028. However, due to the tight timeline, the academy may start operations before a permanent campus is fully built. In the early stages, it may rely on temporary facilities provided by partner institutions. Once the academy is fully operational, a permanent campus will be established, featuring buildings for teaching, research, student housing, sports facilities, dining halls, and other necessary infrastructure. The goal of the U.S. Space Academy is to inspire and train the next generation of Americans in technical fields where the U.S. currently lacks enough graduates to maintain its leadership in space. According to a White House fact sheet, the academy will help address a shortage of skilled professionals in critical areas. The RFI outlines a timeline that includes a groundbreaking ceremony by 2027, a temporary campus for the first students in 2028, and a fully operational permanent campus by 2031. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson stressed the importance of choosing the right location for the academy, saying it is "foundational to its success." He urged states to submit proposals that include strong infrastructure, partnerships, and a supportive community capable of attracting top students and matching the ambitions of future space leaders.