Queen Creek, Arizona — Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday announced the formation of a statewide advisory steering committee tasked with leading Arizona's formal bid to host the proposed United States Space Academy. The initiative unites leaders from Arizona's public research universities, regional economic development entities, aerospace corporations, and local municipalities to craft a unified application to host the planned federal space training campus.
The concept originates from an Aug. 28, 2026, White House executive order establishing a proposed American service academy for space operations and astronaut preparation in coordination with NASA. State leaders plan to emphasize Arizona's aerospace research footprint, expansive testing ranges, and deep academic ties to orbital missions to persuade federal decision-makers.
"Together, we are going to secure the US Space Academy for our state," said Governor Katie Hobbs.
The 13-member steering committee features prominent national and state aerospace leaders, including former Air Force Secretary Ambassador Barbara Barrett, former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory director Laurie Leshin of Arizona State University, and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Pete Worden. The panel also includes Dr. Erika Hamden of the University of Arizona Space Institute, Dr. David Trilling from Northern Arizona University, commercial astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor, Arizona Space Commission Chair Brett Mecum, Arizona Commerce Authority CEO Sandra Watson, Phantom Space CEO Jim Cantrell, and the mayors of Yuma and Sierra Vista.
