President Trump Signs Executive Order to Create US Space Academy

President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on August 28, 2026, to establish the United States' first U.S. Space Academy at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The order emphasizes that space is vital for American national security, economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. The proposed academy would focus on technical education, leadership development, discipline, and public service, ultimately advancing U.S. interests in space.

President Trump explained that given the rapid expansion of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space industry, and the ambition to explore the Moon and beyond, it is necessary to educate and train a generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson have been appointed as the chair and executive director of the Presidential Commission on the U.S. Space Academy.

The commission will work with vice chairs Michael Kratsios and Kevin Hassett, as well as other White House and interagency representatives, to develop recommendations on governance, service obligations, location, legislative requirements, and more. The commission's report to the President is due within 120 days of the signing. The signing of the Executive Order took place at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where President Trump also awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Artemis II crew members.

This Executive Order is part of President Trump's commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in space and advancing NASA's Golden Age of exploration and innovation. Other recent actions include signing the Ensuring American Space Superiority Act in December 2025 and a new National Space Transportation Policy memorandum on August 20. The full Executive Order can be accessed on The White House website.