Louisiana submits proposal to host U.S. Space Academy at LSU

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The state of Louisiana announced Friday (Nov. 13) that it formally submitted its proposal to welcome the United States Space Academy to New Orleans as its permanent home, Greater New Orleans Inc. said.

The project is a proposed NASA-supported federal academy that aims to educate the next generation of astronauts, engineers, scientists and leaders for America’s space programs, GNO, Inc. said.

Louisiana proposes to build the Academy alongside LSU New Orleans on the university’s lakefront campus, GNO, Inc. said.

The Academy would welcome its first class of 300 cadets in fall 2028, aiming to grow to 1,200 by fall 2031, GNO, Inc. said.

The state proposed a dual student body campus for cadet and civilian curriculum that ensures the existing capacity and career pathways remain on campus, GNO, Inc. said.

“Louisiana has helped America reach the stars for generations, and we are ready to help lead the next era of American spaceflight,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said. “The United States Space Academy belongs in a state that builds the rockets, supports our nation’s military and is now home to the world’s largest spaceport.”

President Donald Trump had established the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy in August 2026. and NASA then invited each state’s governor to submit a proposal.

Governor Landry tapped Louisiana Economic Development to lead the state’s bid, partnering with LSU and GNO, Inc., Entergy New Orleans, and partners statewide.

Louisiana’s response brings together more than 100 employers, universities, and organizations with the backing of the state’s entire congressional delegation, GNO, Inc. said.

“New Orleans is uniquely qualified to host the U.S. Space Academy and build on its 60-year track record of delivering wins for the U.S. space program,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. “Louisiana has helped make history in space since the Apollo missions, and New Orleans is ready to further President Trump’s vision for a Golden Age of American space dominance and ensure the U.S. Space Academy thrives in Louisiana.”

The Academy would launch as a “campus within a campus,” with its own precinct, residence hall, academic space and formation grounds under Academy governance, GNO, Inc. said.

“LSU New Orleans brings 2.83 million square feet of academic, laboratory, residential, athletic, and research facilities, including 1,676 residence hall beds, along with working utilities and campus security. Built to serve more than 17,000 students, the campus has 23 classrooms, 37 laboratories, and 348 offices open today,” GNO, Inc. said.

LSU and the State say they aim to have the campus ready for the Academy by the third quarter of 2027, ahead of the first class.

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