WASHINGTON — NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman chaired the first Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy meeting on Sept. 9, 2026, launching the implementation phase of the new institution. The agency published a Request for Information on Sept. 10, 2026, seeking input from governors or their designees interested in hosting and sponsoring the academy.

The first Presidential Commission meeting included U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. U.S. Chief Technology Officer Ethan Klein also participated, representing Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios. Representatives from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the National Security Council, and the White House attended the session.

Isaacman said the first Commission meeting made clear how much talent and commitment there is behind President Trump's vision for the U.S. Space Academy. He said that with the RFI underway, states across the country have an opportunity to help shape a legacy institution built for America's future in space.

Why It Matters

The establishment of the United States Space Academy creates a centralized training body for multiple sectors of the national space infrastructure. The academy is designated to serve NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the private spaceflight sector. The 120-day mandate requires the commission to formulate specific recommendations for the President on the academy's structure and operations.

The Request for Information issued by NASA opens a pathway for state governments to compete for the location of the facility. Governors or their designees must submit proposals to host and sponsor the academy. The commission's work will determine the operational framework for this new institution within the federal space architecture.

Timeline

On April 11, 2023, NASA issued a Request for Information on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in NASA Procurements and Federal Financial Assistance. This document sought public input on barriers and challenges preventing members of underserved communities from participating in NASA procurements and federal financial assistance.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the United States Space Academy on Aug. 28, 2026. The official record states that the commission's 120-day mandate to develop recommendations for President Trump on how to establish the academy began when the President signed the Executive Order on August 28, 2026.

The executive order signing event took place at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman chaired the first Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy meeting on Sept. 9, 2026. The first Presidential Commission meeting included U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The first Presidential Commission meeting included National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. The first Presidential Commission meeting included U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

What's New

The United States Space Academy is slated to act as a training academy for NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and the private spaceflight sector. Representatives is (1721 – 1912). Jared Isaacman is the founder of Shift4 Payments and Draken International, which provides adversary training to U.S. British, and other NATO air forces.