Kathmandu— President Donald Trump announced the creation of the United States’ first-ever Space Academy on Friday during a ceremony at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas, stating it would serve to train graduates for the US Space Force, NASA, and the civilian flight industry. The unexpected announcement came while honoring the four-person Artemis II crew, with Trump describing the academy as “a big deal” and “top line.” An executive order was signed to begin the process of establishing the training facility, which he likened to existing service academies like those at Annapolis and West Point.

Academy Structure And Leadership

The new US Space Academy will be modeled after prestigious military institutions such as the US Naval Academy and the US Military Academy, preparing a select group of young adults for leadership roles. To guide its creation, Trump also established a presidential commission led by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman. The commission will include key administration officials like Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, and Russ Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Space Force And Artemis Program

The establishment of the Space Academy builds on Trump’s previous efforts to prioritize space exploration during his time in office. In 2019, he signed legislation creating the Space Force as the sixth branch of the US military, citing “grave threats to our national security.” The academy is intended to provide a pipeline of talent for this new force, as well as NASA and the growing civilian space sector. Trump also highlighted the recent success of the Artemis II mission, which took astronauts further into space than ever before, as part of his administration’s plan to return humans to the moon by 2028.

Recognition Of Artemis II Crew

During Friday's ceremony, President Trump presented the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to each member of the Artemis II crew: NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The medal represents the highest civilian honor awarded in the US for achievements in spaceflight. Astronaut Victor Glover also presented Trump with a blue flight jacket as a gift from the crew, recalling their previous meeting where they had discussed obtaining one for him.

Challenges To Artemis Program

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, questions remain about the future of the Artemis exploration initiative. A recent explosion involving a Blue Origin rocket in Florida raised concerns about NASA’s readiness for upcoming missions. The agency has adjusted plans for the Artemis III mission, shifting its focus from landing on the moon to conducting safety drills in Earth orbit with models from private companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX.

NASA announced new crew members for the two-week Artemis III mission scheduled for next year, though challenges remain regarding timelines and ensuring mission safety.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.