MONTGOMERY, AL. — Alabama has formally entered the competition to host the proposed United States Space Academy, with state officials putting forward Huntsville as the preferred location for the new institution.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that she submitted Alabama’s initial response to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, which is chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
The proposed academy would focus on educating and preparing future scientists, engineers, astronauts and other professionals for careers related to U.S. space exploration and national security.
Ivey said Alabama’s proposal will emphasize Huntsville’s existing concentration of aerospace, defense, research and education resources, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp. The state also cited plans to locate U.S. Space Command headquarters in Huntsville as part of its case.
“Alabama helped send America to moon, and we are ready to help prepare the Americans who will take us even further,” Ivey said. “With Space Command Headquarters soon coming to Huntsville, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Space Camp and generations of aerospace expertise, Alabama brings an exceptional foundation to this competition.”
State officials said the effort will include representatives from state and local government, higher education and Alabama’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the city’s history in the nation’s space program, combined with its current aerospace and defense workforce, makes it well positioned to compete for the academy.
“Huntsville’s legacy in space exploration is more than just our history — the city is a living, thriving engine for America’s future,” Battle said. “From pioneering the Saturn V rocket to advancing next generation propulsion and defense technologies, the Rocket City has always answered the nation’s call with inspiration and innovation.”
Huntsville played a major role in the development of the Saturn V rocket used during the Apollo program and remains home to federal agencies, military operations, aerospace companies and research institutions involved in current space and defense programs.
Ivey also linked the state’s bid to the Trump administration’s plans for expanding U.S. leadership in space.
“Alabama has never lacked the ingenuity or determination to take on a mission of national importance,” Ivey said. “With President Trump’s leadership charting a bold course for America’s future in space, we would be proud to help build an academy that strengthens our nation’s leadership for generations to come.”
Alabama’s submission came one day before President Donald Trump was
scheduled to visit the state. The location of the proposed U.S. Space Academy has not yet been selected.
