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Governor Polis and State Leaders Announce Colorado's Bid to Host United States Space Academy

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COLORADO SPRINGS — Today, Governor Jared Polis joined state aerospace, higher education, and business leaders to launch Colorado's proposal for hosting the permanent location of the proposed United States Space Academy (USSA) in Colorado Springs. The Polis-Primavera Administration has designated the Colorado Space Coalition (CSC) as the Responding Entity to coordinate and prepare a formal response to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Request for Information on behalf of the State of Colorado, the first step in making the case for Colorado as the Academy's permanent home.

"Colorado has the talent, innovation, and aerospace expertise to train the next generation of American space leaders, and we are a mile closer to space. From our world-class universities and research institutions to our leading aerospace companies developing next generation space technologies, Colorado is uniquely qualified to provide future Space Academy students the education, hands-on experience, leading to good paying, life-long careers that the space industry needs. Hosting the United States Space Academy would build on that foundation, create new opportunities, and ensure America remains on the cutting edge of the final frontier. Colorado is ready," said Governor Polis.

"Colorado is home to an unparalleled aerospace ecosystem, including military installations, research centers, universities with top-ranked aerospace programs, and leading aerospace companies, along with Coloradans who share a genuine passion for space. No other state can match it. Hosting the United States Space Academy would be the next chapter in a story Colorado has been writing for generations and is the best option for the future of the space workforce, NASA, and our country," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

The effort follows an August 2026 Executive Order (EO) directing federal efforts to establish the USSA, a proposed institution focused on preparing future leaders in space science, engineering, technology, and public service. Following the EO, NASA issued a Request for Information inviting states to outline how each could support the Academy's establishment as well as interim-and long-term operations.

The Polis-Primavera Administration has been working in partnership with the CSC to identify qualified sites across the state, and is now advancing the bid located in Colorado Springs. The CSC brings together aerospace companies, institutions of higher education, economic development organizations, and other partners to promote Colorado's aerospace industry and strengthen the state's position as a national leader in space innovation. The effort also brings together statewide stakeholders representing areas of expertise and critical infrastructure for the Academy's campus and curriculum needs, including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, and the Colorado Community College System; the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC; and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), and the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA), among others.

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"The United States Space Academy would be an investment in far more than the aerospace industry. Space careers aren't limited to astronauts and engineers. They stretch from the classroom to the launch pad to the supply chain, and include technicians, machinists, logistics specialists, and small business suppliers earning good wages in communities of every size. We've spent decades building one of the nation's strongest aerospace economies, and bringing the Academy here would extend that opportunity to students from every background. The Colorado Space Coalition, part of our Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, has been leading that work for years, driving aerospace talent development, technology deployment, and innovation. This is about economic empowerment for every Coloradan, and we're ready to deliver it," said J.J. Ament, President & CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The four higher education systems will launch an integrated educational partnership focused on human spaceflight that prepares students to explore, operate, and lead in space. This will build a common foundation that progresses students through connected pathways supported by partner faculty, specialized laboratories, and industry projects.

"In the near-term, Colorado universities are poised to serve NASA and the U.S. Space Academy by launching a statewide educational partnership that develops our nation's next generation of elite students to explore, operate and lead in space. CU is currently the top NASA-funded public university in the world and boasts leading aerospace education programs and outstanding programs at the Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University and the Arapahoe Community College making our state a wealth of talent in this arena," said CU President Todd Saliman. "In the long-term, there's no better state in the Union than Colorado to be the future, permanent home of the new U.S. Space Academy. Our students are already entering careers in aerospace, engineering and other related fields and are going on to better our state and the nation. We look forward to creating even more opportunity for them with this academy."

Colorado Springs has strengthened its position as a national aerospace and defense hub through business recruitment, workforce development, and industry partnerships, including the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC's Aerospace & Defense Council. These regional efforts complement OEDIT's statewide work to attract aerospace investment, support business growth, and strengthen Colorado's workforce, building on the state's expertise, talent, and research capabilities to support the Academy's mission.

"Colorado Springs is the home of space, and we are proud to be Colorado's choice to compete for the United States Space Academy. For generations, our community has supported our nation's military installations and national security missions, building a world-class aerospace and defense ecosystem of military leaders, innovative companies, educational institutions, and a highly skilled workforce. This bid builds on that proud legacy and represents an opportunity to strengthen our nation's leadership in space while creating new pathways for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We are grateful for the partnership of Governor Polis and our state and regional leaders as we work together to bring this exciting opportunity to Colorado Springs," said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.

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Colorado is home to an unparalleled aerospace ecosystem supported by a thriving industry, a highly skilled workforce, leading research institutions, and a strong federal and military presence. Colorado's aerospace industry ranks #1 per capita in aerospace employment, supports over 2,000 aerospace businesses, and employs over 55,000 jobs directly and another 184,000 indirectly. Under the Polis-Primavera administration, Colorado has strengthened this foundation through its selection as a NASA Aerospace Workforce Hub, supporting aerospace employers, and expanding pathways to good-paying careers. Through the state's Opportunity Now initiative, Colorado has invested in partnerships between community colleges and aerospace employers to align technical training with industry needs, while state-supported youth apprenticeships and hands-on learning opportunities are helping prepare the next generation of aerospace workers. These efforts are helping to position Colorado for major continued industry investments that break ground, add jobs, expand operations, and grow facilities across the state.

"There is no better home for the United States Space Academy than Colorado. We are a global leader in aerospace, home to half of the U.S. Space Force and an extensive network of innovative and collaborative aerospace businesses. Colorado companies have grown by 34% over the last five years, supporting national defense capabilities, the development of the James Webb Space Telescope that has helped us see the universe in new ways, and NASA's Artemis mission to return Americans to the moon. We are uniquely positioned to help train the next generation of aerospace talent and beyond," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Colorado will submit its response to NASA's Request for Information by November 16, 2026. The RFI seeks information from interested states on proposed locations for a permanent campus, the availability of infrastructure and supporting resources, opportunities to begin instruction for approximately 300 students in 2028, and estimated costs and partnerships to support the Academy's establishment. NASA anticipates breaking ground on a permanent campus by 2027, with the facility expected to begin operations in 2031. Colorado's response will highlight the state's unparalleled ecosystem, existing aerospace infrastructure, workforce development efforts, research institutions, and partnerships that uniquely position Colorado to support the Academy's mission.

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