NASA published a Request for Information on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, asking governors or their designees to signal interest in hosting and sponsoring a planned United States Space Academy, according to the agency. The release was later updated on Oct. 14, 2026, to add an RFI link and extend the response deadline from Monday, Oct. 26 to Monday, Nov. 16.

The move followed the first meeting of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Sept. 9. Isaacman and Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson welcomed commission members from multiple agencies for discussions on the proposed institution's governance, curriculum, service commitments and partnerships. Isaacman said the RFI gives states a chance to help shape the institution.

The commission's 120-day mandate began with President Donald Trump's Aug. 28 executive order. The request outlines an ambitious timeline calling for a groundbreaking no later than 2027, temporary hosting of the first 300 students in 2028, and a permanent location in operation by 2031. Each state is allowed one submission through its governor's designee.