Indiana makes the case to host U.S. Space Academy

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 28 establishing the U.S. Space Academy, a civilian institution aimed at training future leaders in aerospace, national security, and advanced manufacturing. A growing list of states—including Alabama, California, Florida, Ohio, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, Texas, and now Indiana—are preparing bids to host the academy. Indiana’s bid centers on the Grissom Air Reserve Base and Aeroplex near Kokomo, spanning Cass and Miami counties.

Senator Jim Banks sent a letter to the presidential commission on Thursday, urging consideration of the Hoosier State’s site. He highlighted the base’s long runway, ample space for classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, as well as the state’s low cost of living, nearby research universities, and workforce readiness. Banks also noted a partnership with Purdue to leverage Indiana’s strengths in aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing.

The federal agency expects to begin classes in 2028 with an inaugural cohort of 300 students at an interim campus, expanding to 1,200 by 2031 and eventually accommodating 4,000 students. State bids are due on October 26, according to NASA’s request for information released earlier this month. Indiana’s proposal aims to position the state as a key player in the national space education landscape.

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