NASA has released a preliminary document outlining plans for the proposed United States Space Academy, signaling the agency's intent to move swiftly in creating the institution. The document sets a timeline that includes a groundbreaking ceremony for a permanent campus by no later than next year. The first class of students is expected to begin in temporary facilities by 2028, with a planned transition to the permanent campus by 2031. Initially, the academy will support 1,200 undergraduate students, with the potential to grow to 4,000 students over time. The document, titled a "Request for Information," marks the beginning of a competitive bidding process among U.S. states to host the academy. All 50 states are invited to submit a single response detailing what they can offer, such as land, infrastructure, funding, and other resources. States are also asked to provide a "rough-order-of-magnitude" estimate of the cost to establish and operate the academy at their proposed locations. These submissions are due to NASA by October 26. The United States Space Academy aims to "prepare a new generation of leaders to explore, build, operate, secure, and defend the space domain." The academy's location may be influenced by proximity to existing NASA facilities or university campuses, which could offer valuable research and educational resources. Such locations may provide advantages in terms of access to technology, expertise, and infrastructure. The competition for hosting the academy is expected to be intense, with states like Texas, Florida, and Alabama anticipated to submit strong bids. These states have existing ties to the space industry, including NASA centers and aerospace companies, which could make them attractive candidates. The final decision on the academy's location will depend on a variety of factors, including the resources each state can provide and the overall feasibility of establishing the institution in different regions.