NASA announced on September 21, 2026 that it has opened a nationwide contest to determine the location of its upcoming Space Academy. The agency is inviting community groups from across the United States to submit proposals for hosting the new educational facility, which is intended to serve as a hub for space science learning and outreach.
The contest is designed to allow local organizations to compete for the chance to host the academy, which NASA describes as a prestigious addition to the community’s educational resources. Participants are expected to demonstrate how their site could support the academy’s mission of fostering interest in aerospace and providing hands‑on learning experiences for students and the public.
By opening the selection process to community groups, NASA aims to involve a broad range of stakeholders in the planning of the academy. The agency has indicated that the chosen location will become a focal point for STEM education, potentially drawing visitors from the surrounding region and contributing to local development.
The initiative reflects NASA’s ongoing effort to expand its educational outreach beyond traditional research facilities. While details of the evaluation criteria have not been disclosed, the contest underscores the agency’s commitment to partnering with local communities to advance space education.
NASA’s call for proposals marks the first step in a series of actions that will lead to the establishment of the Space Academy. The agency will review submissions and announce the selected site at a later date, continuing its broader strategy to inspire the next generation of explorers through accessible, high‑quality learning environments.
Community groups interested in participating are encouraged to follow NASA’s official channels for further instructions and deadlines as the contest proceeds.