U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody introduced legislation Tuesday that would locate the proposed U.S. Space Academy in Florida.
The STARS Act follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Aug. 28 creating a presidential commission tasked with developing plans for the academy. The proposed NASA-led institution would provide technical education, leadership development and public-service training for students pursuing careers across the military, civilian government and commercial space sectors.
Moody, R-Fla., had previously announced plans to introduce legislation directing the academy to Florida after the Senate returned to Washington.
“Florida is America’s gateway to the final frontier — that’s why it’s so important that the next generation of space leaders are trained in the Sunshine State,” Moody said in announcing the legislation.
The Trump administration’s executive order does not select a location for the academy. Instead, the newly created commission is required to recommend a process for choosing a permanent site, along with proposals addressing governance, curriculum, admissions requirements and service obligations for graduates. The commission is expected to submit its recommendations within 120 days of the order.
Moody has also been working with Florida officials and space-industry representatives to promote the state during the administration’s site-selection process.
Florida is home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and has experienced significant growth in commercial and government launch activity in recent years.
The STARS Act would require congressional approval before becoming law.
