Indiana campaigns to host new U.S. Space Academy

Following an executive order by President Donald Trump to establish a U.S. Space Academy, Indiana is campaigning to host the new service academy at Grissom Air Reserve Base. Senator Jim Banks is leading the effort, arguing that Indiana possesses the necessary academic and industrial ecosystem to support the mission, similar to how West Point serves the Army and Annapolis serves the Navy.

Proponents highlight that Grissom offers significant physical assets, including a large runway and extensive acreage for facility expansion. The state’s bid is further bolstered by its proximity to major engineering institutions such as Purdue, Notre Dame, and Rose-Hulman, as well as existing defense research capabilities at Crane. Indiana faces competition from states including Texas, Florida, and Alabama for the site selection, which is expected to be decided in late December.