Colorado names Colorado Springs as proposed site for Space Academy bid
The state’s bid envisions a statewide higher-education partnership; federal review and further approvals would follow.
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Colorado has named Colorado Springs as its proposed site in a bid to host a U.S. Space Academy. The state’s formal response to NASA is due Nov. 16, the Governor’s Office announced.
The state’s concept is a statewide higher-education partnership focused on human spaceflight, with connected education pathways, specialized laboratories and industry projects. NASA’s stated targets include temporarily hosting about 300 students in 2028 and having a permanent location operating by 2031; those are goals, not approved or completed milestones, NASA said.
State responses will inform a Presidential Commission’s advice on the academy’s location. The commission’s recommendation requires presidential approval, and the executive order identifies possible legislation and available appropriations among the steps before implementation.
The state’s announcement did not name a permanent campus parcel. The Colorado Sun reported a proposed campus of more than 300 acres, while KXRM/FOX21 reported that the University of Colorado Colorado Springs could host the initial students temporarily. Those are reported proposals, not confirmed land commitments.
Polis is proposing up to $50 million in refundable tax credits over five years, subject to lawmakers’ approval, Axios reported.