STARS Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a new federal service academy dedicated to space, aiming to bolster American leadership in the space domain by developing a specialized workforce, and explicitly designates Florida as its permanent home.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the United States Space Academy as a new service academy within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), dedicated to providing undergraduate technical education and leadership development for future space domain leaders. Crucially, it mandates that the Academy's permanent campus be located within the State of Florida, with specific site selection criteria prioritizing proximity to existing space infrastructure like Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The bill also requires the NASA Administrator to submit a comprehensive implementation report to Congress within 180 days of enactment.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the United States Space Academy is vital for national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership, ensuring a robust pipeline of highly trained astronauts, engineers, operators, and civil servants. They emphasize that Florida's unparalleled concentration of active spaceflight launch complexes, Space Force facilities, commercial space companies, and academic institutions makes it the ideal location for operational integration and real-world training, maximizing the Academy's effectiveness from its inception.
Opponents contend
While the general concept of a Space Academy might garner broad support, potential opposition could arise regarding the bill's mandated location in Florida. Critics might argue that this pre-emptive designation limits flexibility, may not represent the most cost-effective or strategically optimal choice for the nation, or could be perceived as a form of political earmarking. Some might also question the immediate necessity of establishing an entirely new academy versus expanding existing space-related programs at current military academies or universities.
The bill is concise and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its core provisions and implications.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the "Securing The Advancement of Rising Spacefarers Act of 2026" or the "STARS Act of 2026." This provides a recognizable and concise name for the legislation, facilitating its reference and discussion in public and legislative contexts.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a memorable and descriptive short title helps in public discourse and legislative tracking, clearly signaling the bill's intent to advance space exploration and talent.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are standard legislative practice and do not have direct policy implications beyond identification.
Section 2
Congressional Findings
This section outlines eleven specific reasons why Congress believes the bill is necessary. These findings highlight the importance of space for national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership, the need for trained personnel, the role of the Presidential Commission, and extensively detail Florida's unique advantages for hosting a Space Academy, including existing infrastructure, industry, and educational institutions.
Section 4
Establishment of the United States Space Academy
This section formally establishes the United States Space Academy as a service academy within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Its core mission is to provide undergraduate technical education, leadership development, and prepare future leaders for commissioning in the military or civil service roles within the space domain. It also specifies that while the Administrator should consider the Presidential Commission's recommendations, these cannot override the bill's mandated location for the Academy.
Section 5
Location of the Academy
This section explicitly mandates that the permanent campus of the United States Space Academy shall be located within the State of Florida. It further directs the Administrator to prioritize specific site selection criteria within Florida, including proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, opportunities for partnership with Space Launch Delta 45 and Patrick Space Force Base, capacity for future growth, and leveraging existing Federal, State, or university-owned land to minimize acquisition costs. The Administrator is also required to consult with the Governor of Florida during this process.
Section 6
Implementation and Report
This section sets a clear deadline for the NASA Administrator to submit a comprehensive report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives. Within 180 days of the Act's enactment, this report must include a proposed final site for the Academy within Florida, a proposed academic and leadership curriculum, proposed service obligations for graduates, an estimated construction and operational budget, and an implementation timeline.
Section 7
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of "such sums as may be necessary" to the Administrator of NASA to carry out the Act. This includes funding for site acquisition, design, and construction of the Academy's permanent campus. It is important to note that this is an authorization, not an appropriation, meaning separate legislation would be needed to actually provide the funds.
Authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for the Academy, covering site acquisition, design, and construction, but does not appropriate funds.
Section 7
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for authorizing legislation. It's not intentionally evasive but reflects the division of labor between authorizing committees and appropriations committees.
Case for: Supporters argue that this is the appropriate legislative step to establish the legal framework for future funding without dictating specific dollar amounts prematurely, allowing for detailed cost estimates to be developed.
Case against: Critics might argue that without a specific dollar cap or a more detailed initial cost estimate, this provision opens the door to potentially unlimited future spending, making it difficult to assess the true fiscal commitment.
Estimated impact: The bill does not provide a specific dollar amount, only authorizes future appropriations. The total impact is currently unknown but could be substantial for a new service academy, potentially hundreds of millions to billions of dollars over time.