By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Space is a critical domain for American national security, economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological innovation.  American superiority in space depends on the strength, skill, and character of those who explore, secure, and build the industries critical to it.  To continue to lead the world in space exploration and technology, while securing and defending our national interests in space, the Nation must prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.  Achieving this goal requires us to recruit, train, and retain America’s best and brightest from across the Nation.

Therefore, it is my Administration’s policy to strengthen the Nation’s space workforce by expanding opportunities to educate and develop the next generation of leaders across the space domain.   

Sec. 2.  Establishment and Composition of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy.  (a)  There is hereby established the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy (Commission).  The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall serve as Chair of the Commission.  The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy (APEP) shall serve as Vice Chairs of the Commission.  The Deputy Administrator of NASA shall serve as Executive Director.

(b)  In addition to the Chair, Vice Chairs, and Executive Director, the Commission shall include the following officials or their designees:

(i)    the Secretary of War;

(ii)   the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff;

(iii)  the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;

(iv)   the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;

(v)    the Secretary of the Air Force; and

(vi)   other full-time or permanent part-time employees of the Federal Government invited to join the Commission, at the discretion of the Chair, in consultation with the Vice Chairs.

Sec. 3.  Duties.  (a)  The Commission shall advise and assist the President regarding proposals to establish the United States Space Academy (Space Academy), a proposed NASA-led Federal academy dedicated to combining rigorous technical education with leadership development, discipline, and a durable commitment to public service.  The Space Academy will develop a professional corps of civically grounded leaders prepared to advance American interests within the space domain.

(b)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Commission shall submit to the President through the APST and the APEP a report proposing key details for the establishment of the Space Academy.  The report shall include recommendations regarding:

(i)     a governance framework for the Space Academy, including the appropriate organizational structure, authorities, accreditations, and relationships among relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies).  Among the frameworks considered, the Commission shall evaluate the option of establishing the Space Academy within NASA, including actions necessary to implement such a structure; 

(ii)    an academic and leadership curriculum, including recommendations for degree programs, experiential training, and development programs;

(iii)   service obligations for graduates, including service in the Armed Forces and civilian Federal service and the conditions under which such obligations should be fulfilled;

(iv)    prerequisites for applicants, including citizenship status, security clearances, and government employment or military status;

(v)     the process for selection of the permanent physical location of the Space Academy appropriate for the chosen governance framework;

(vi)    administrative actions that may be taken under existing legal authorities to advance the objectives of establishing a Space Academy, including opportunities for pilot programs, partnerships, and other preparatory initiatives;

(vii)   legislative actions necessary to implement the Commission’s recommendations;

(viii)  coordination with existing Federal education programs, partnerships, and agreements; and  

(ix)    an implementation strategy for the establishment of the Space Academy, including timelines, sequencing of administrative and legislative actions, and opportunities to use existing Federal authorities and programs.

(c)  The Chair may establish working groups composed of representatives from agencies, as necessary to support the Commission.  Such working groups may consult with experts from academia and industry, and with other stakeholders, as necessary to support the work of the Commission.  Any such working groups shall report directly to the Commission, and the Commission shall deliberate on any working-group recommendations before it may adopt them.

(d)  Following approval by the President, and any necessary legislative action, the Administrator of NASA shall, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies, implement the approved recommendations of the Commission, consistent with applicable law and available fiscal resources.   

Sec. 4.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    August 28, 2026.