Push for U.S. Space Academy in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. — There is a concerted effort to establish the newly created United States Space Academy on Florida’s Space Coast.
Florida legislators are advocating for President Trump and NASA to designate the Space Coast as the academy’s permanent home, emphasizing its importance in military and space education. This new military academy will focus entirely on space operations.
President Trump has indicated that an announcement regarding the U.S. Space Academy is forthcoming. He stated, “It’s clear that we will need to educate and train an entire generation of skilled service members, engineers, and civil operators to do what we have to do,” during the signing of the Executive Order to create the academy.
A bipartisan group from Congress, led by Congressman Mike Haridopolos and Senator Ashley Moody, alongside the entire Florida delegation, is advocating for the Space Coast to host the academy. Haridopolos emphasized Florida’s role as a vital training ground for careers within NASA and the private sector.
Local leaders are optimistic about the opportunity this academy presents. Anne Conroy-Baiter, president of the Space Coast Chamber of Commerce, noted that graduates will have career opportunities within the aerospace and defense industries in the region. She explained, “The Space Coast is a perfect place for a Space Academy” due to its rich history in rocket launches, manufacturing, education, and military presence.
In a letter to President Trump, Florida leaders highlighted the state’s advantages, noting it as one of the largest commercial space ecosystems globally. The academy aims to provide hands-on learning experiences with astronauts, engineers, and industry leaders.
The U.S. Space Academy will feature a four-year program for high school applicants that includes free tuition and a commitment to military service. Students will have pathways to directly enter the workforce after graduation, supported by cooperation with local school boards and industry leaders.
Spectrum News has reached out to Jennifer Jenkins, Haridopolos’ opponent in the upcoming election, for her take on this initiative, but has not received a response yet.
