Donald Trump Signs Executive Order For US Space Academy, Says Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft Could Launch For Mars In 2028

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to begin creating a United States Space Academy, a new institution modeled on West Point and other top US military service academies. Trump made the announcement during a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he honored the Artemis II crew with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

"It's called the U.S. Space Academy. That's a big deal," Trump said, outlining plans for an institution intended to support the country's expanding military and commercial space capabilities. Donald Trump Renames Lake Ontario As Lake America: What the Executive Order Says.

Donald Trump Signs Executive Order For US Space Academy

US Space Academy To Train Space Workforce

Trump said the academy would help train service members, engineers and civilian operators needed as the US Space Force and commercial space industry grow.

The initiative comes as Washington expands its ambitions for operations on the moon and beyond, with the US seeking to strengthen its capabilities across military, scientific and commercial space activities.

Trump linked the plan to broader national ambitions in space. "A nation cannot be first on Earth if we're going to be second in space. Just not going to happen. Somehow, it just doesn't work that way," Trump added.

US Space Academy Modelled On Military Service Institutions

The proposed US Space Academy is being envisioned along the lines of established US military service academies, including West Point. The institution would focus on preparing personnel for an increasingly complex space sector, including roles connected to the Space Force, engineering and civilian space operations.

Further details about the academy, including its location, curriculum, admissions process and timeline for opening, were not provided in the announcement.

Trump Says NASA Working On Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft

During his remarks in Houston, Trump also said NASA has begun work on what he called the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft. Trump said the spacecraft is expected to launch on a mission to Mars in 2028.

He described the vessel as potentially the first in a larger American fleet intended to make space travel more routine. The announcement adds a new element to the administration's broader focus on expanding US capabilities beyond Earth.

Moon And Mars Ambitions

Trump's comments came during an event honoring the Artemis II crew, highlighting the administration's emphasis on human space exploration. The proposed Space Academy would operate in an environment in which both government agencies and private companies are seeking to expand activity in space.

The US Space Force is also developing its role in national security and military operations beyond Earth, while commercial companies are investing in launch systems, spacecraft and other space technologies.

A New Institution For An Expanding Space Sector

The proposed US Space Academy would add a dedicated educational institution to the country's existing network of military service academies. Trump presented the initiative as part of a broader effort to ensure the US maintains a leading position in space as competition and commercial activity increase.

The proposed academy and the planned nuclear-powered spacecraft represent separate elements of the administration's wider space agenda, with further details on both initiatives expected as the plans develop.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 11:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).