Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Wednesday that the state will pursue hosting the proposed United States Space Academy, identifying a site in Coffee County as its preferred location for the federal institution intended to train the next generation of American space professionals.
The proposal would place the academy at the Middle Tennessee I-24 Industrial site within the Tennessee Valley Aerospace Corridor, near Arnold Air Force Base and within close proximity to Huntsville, Alabama, which Lee’s office noted is a major center for aerospace and defense activity.
President Donald Trump established the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy through an executive order signed August 28, directing federal officials to develop proposals for a NASA-led academy focused on technical education, leadership development, and preparing Americans to advance national interests in space.
Someone will determine what the future looks like — that should be Tennessee.
We have the location, infrastructure, workforce & spirit of innovation needed for the new United States Space Academy.
Grateful for the leadership of @POTUS & @NASA, and we look forward to helping… pic.twitter.com/iWmme2ZAhW
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) October 28, 2026
“Someone has to determine what the future looks like, and I’ve long believed that should be Tennessee,” Lee said in a statement. “From leading the nation in clean, reliable nuclear energy to developing the workforce needed to win the future, the Volunteer State is already leading the next era of American innovation.”
Lee’s office said the proposed Coffee County location offers existing infrastructure, room for expansion, and access to established aerospace and defense operations.
The state also cited the University of Tennessee Space Institute, the University of Tennessee System’s nuclear science and engineering programs, Middle Tennessee State University’s aerospace programs, Tennessee Tech University’s technical expertise, and Vanderbilt University’s space and quantum research capabilities as assets supporting its bid.
Trump’s executive order states that the academy would prepare astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and military personnel to support American interests in space. The presidential commission, chaired by the NASA administrator, was directed to submit recommendations on the academy’s governance, curriculum, admissions requirements, graduate service obligations, and permanent location within 120 days of the order.
The president’s order also calls for recommendations on necessary legislation, partnerships with existing federal education programs, and an implementation timeline. The academy would proceed after presidential approval and any necessary legislative action.
Members of Tennessee’s congressional delegation voiced support for the state’s pursuit of the academy.
“From Arnold Air Force Base to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee has powered our nation’s space and defense enterprise for generations, making us the natural home for the U.S. Space Academy,” Republican gubernatorial nominee U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said.
U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) said Tennessee has the workforce and infrastructure needed to train future space leaders, adding, “I am pleased to stand with Governor Lee as we pursue bringing the United States Space Academy to the Volunteer State.”
U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) cited the state’s aerospace testing infrastructure, available land, and research institutions, and drew on his experience as a West Point graduate, combat veteran, and Army helicopter pilot to emphasize the importance of training military personnel for space operations.
“As a West Point graduate, I understand the importance of world-class institutions to educate, train, and commission officers for our service branches. I’m confident Tennessee is the best place to equip our armed forces to conduct effective space operations and secure our national security interests in space,” Van Epps said.
U.S. Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) also highlighted the University of Tennessee Space Institute and Tennessee’s proximity to Huntsville’s aerospace and defense workforce.
“With UTSI and Arnold Air Force Base, and a significant number of our citizens already commuting and working in the defense and aerospace sectors in Huntsville – the new home of the United States Space Force – there is a natural synergy, educational and technical experience, and geographical advantage to our state that would make it a natural fit for the academy,” DesJarlais said.
Lee’s office said state and federal leaders are “working together to secure this historic investment.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
