MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has submitted the state’s initial response to a federal commission considering locations for a proposed United States Space Academy, with the state putting forward Huntsville as its preferred site.
The submission to the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy highlights Alabama’s history in space exploration, national defense, research and workforce development. The commission is chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
Ivey said Alabama’s experience in the space industry and Huntsville’s concentration of federal agencies, military installations, educational institutions and aerospace companies make the state a strong candidate.
“Alabama helped send America to the moon, and we are ready to help prepare the Americans who will take us even further,” Ivey said.
The proposal points to several existing space-related institutions and programs in Huntsville, including NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, which operates Space Camp. The state also cited the region’s long-standing relationship with Redstone Arsenal and its aerospace and defense workforce.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the city’s history in space exploration, along with its STEM education programs and existing partnerships among government, academia and industry, could support the proposed 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.
The proposed academy is intended to train future leaders in areas related to space, potentially including scientists, engineers, astronauts and other professionals. The federal commission is evaluating potential locations as part of the process to determine where the institution could be established.
Alabama’s submission also emphasizes the state’s role in the Apollo program and its continuing involvement in space exploration and national security missions.
“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,” Ivey said.
The announcement comes one day before President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Alabama. The state’s submission marks the beginning of its effort to compete for the proposed academy, with the commission expected to consider proposals from other potential locations as the selection process moves forward.