U.S. Space Academy Advocacy in Florida
SPACE COAST, Fla. — U.S. Senator Ashley Moody gathered with Florida aerospace leaders on Tuesday to advocate for the establishment of a proposed U.S. Space Academy in Florida. She emphasized that the state’s existing launch infrastructure, educational institutions, and burgeoning commercial space sector make the Space Coast an ideal location for the academy.
Moody was accompanied by Space Florida President Rob Long, members of the Space Coast Economic Development Council, and representatives from the aerospace manufacturing industry as part of their broader initiative to secure the academy’s location in Florida.
“Florida is America’s space state,” Moody stated. “We helped launch our nation into the Space Age, and we are prepared to lead into the next era of American space leadership.” She made a strong case for placing the U.S. Space Academy in Florida.
President Trump signed an order on August 28, establishing a presidential commission to develop recommendations for the academy, which will be chaired by the NASA administrator. This commission has a 120-day deadline to report on aspects including governance, curriculum, admissions, location, funding, and implementation of the academy.
The White House has described the proposed academy as a NASA-led institution that will focus on technical education, leadership development, and public service, with graduates prepared to support military, civilian, and commercial space sectors.
Moody plans to introduce legislation to officially designate Florida as the location for the academy when the Senate reconvenes, with Rep. Byron Donalds expected to spearhead a supportive initiative in the House. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, chairman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, has also voiced his support for the proposal.
“For decades, Florida has been at the forefront of U.S. space exploration and launch activities,” Donalds affirmed, highlighting the importance of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station along with the state’s educational network as key advantages.
This advocacy follows a letter led by Moody and Haridopolos on September 3, urging Trump and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to select Florida as the site for the academy. The letter was co-signed by Senator Rick Scott and over 20 members of the Florida U.S. House delegation, comprising both Republicans and Democrats.
Florida’s space industry has grown significantly in recent years, with Space Florida reporting a record 109 launches in 2025, which carried over 2,100 payloads. The state has invested more than $531 million in spaceport infrastructure since 2012, which has attracted approximately $3.3 billion in private investments.
The push for the Space Academy is part of a broader series of space initiatives championed by Moody, who has previously introduced legislation allowing private contributions to NASA infrastructure projects and advocated for relocating NASA headquarters to Florida’s Space Coast.
