The proposed academy would combine technical education with leadership development, discipline and public service. Its mandate would support U.S. national security, commercial growth, scientific research and technological development in space.
Trump linked the proposal to the expansion of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space sector, as well as plans for missions beyond Earth orbit. “Given the rapid growth of the U.S. Space Force and commercial space industry, and the expansion of our ambitions to the Moon and far beyond the Moon, it’s clear we will need to educate and train an entire generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators,” he said.
NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson will serve as executive director of the commission. White House science adviser Michael Kratsios and economic policy adviser Kevin Hassett will act as vice chairs alongside other administration and interagency representatives.
BREAKING: President Donald J. Trump just signed an Executive Order establishing a new federal academy, THE UNITED STATES SPACE ACADEMY. 🚀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BOxPfoVLeX
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 28, 2026
Key elements of the academy have yet to be determined and will form part of the commission’s recommendations. These include its governance structure, physical location, legislative requirements and any public-service obligations for graduates.
“President Trump’s vision for a new academy is a transformational step to educate the engineers, scientists, technicians, operators and even the astronauts who will be necessary for the inspiring future we are pursuing in space. In the years ahead, we will return NASA astronauts to the lunar surface, build the Moon Base, get underway on nuclear power, ignite the orbital economy and launch more missions of science and discovery,” Isaacman said.
Isaacman said the institution would help supply personnel for future civil and government space programs. “I have no doubt that so much of the future talent that will graduate and contribute to these exciting endeavors will be educated at the United States Space Academy.”
Trump signed the order at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He also presented the Artemis II crew members with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor during the event.
The measure follows Trump’s Ensuring American Space Superiority order, signed in December 2025. It also comes after the administration issued a new National Space Transportation Policy memorandum on Aug. 20.
