U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is again calling for the future U.S. Space Academy to be located in Huntsville.
In a video message sent to the media on Thursday, Tuberville discussed the planned academy established in a recent order from President Donald Trump.
“President Trump signed an executive order to create a U.S. Space Academy to take us one step further in American space innovation,” Tuberville began. “Future wars will be fought and won in space, and I’m glad that we have a president who understands this.”
The lawmaker touted Huntsville’s already significant role in both space and national defense, as well as the general area’s professional talent.
“Now the decision must be made on where to put the U.S. Space Academy. You know, to me, there’s only one correct answer: Rocket City, USA. Huntsville, Alabama, has a strong resume when it comes to space and to defense. Huntsville is already home to Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and U.S. Space Command is moving in as we speak. You know, not to mention the more than 400 aerospace defense and technology companies throughout the Tennessee Valley,” Tuberville said.
Tuberville continued, “The talent in North Alabama is next to none, which is why Huntsville has been leading the way in space exploration since helping put the first man on the moon nearly 60 years ago. So this week, I join Congressman Dale Strong in a letter to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and members of the Presidential Commission on the U.S. Space Academy, detailing why Huntsville is the best location for the United States Space Academy.”
He added, “We won’t let up until we are putting up the welcome sign. I look forward to continue my support for Huntsville to remain at the forefront of space and defense exploration.”
On August 28, President Trump signed an executive order proposing the creation of a U.S. Space Academy, led by NASA, to “train the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters to ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.”
