Ohio prepares Dayton bid for proposed U.S. Space Academy

Ohio organizes its bid

Ohio officials are preparing a response to a federal request for information about possible locations for a U.S. Space Academy. The state’s proposal centers on Wright State University and nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the Dayton area.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno discussed the effort at the 2026 Ohio Defense & Aerospace Forum at Wright State, where government, military, education and industry leaders met to discuss the state’s defense and aerospace work. Moreno said Ohio expects to invest about in facilities if Dayton is selected.

Gov. Mike DeWine is forming a steering group to work on the application. He pointed to Wright-Patterson, NASA’s Glenn Research Center and Ohio’s education and workforce resources as parts of the state’s case.

What the campus could include

The proposed development would add classrooms and other academic facilities, along with a road connecting Wright State and Wright-Patterson. Ohio would provide the facilities, while operating the academy would require federal authorization and funding.

Federal planning documents call for a temporary campus to receive its first class in 2028, followed by a permanent campus later. Moreno said the academy would begin with a smaller class and could eventually serve about 5,000 students each year.

Steve Smith, a Dayton native who has worked on the concept, said the academy would prepare students for space exploration and operations, including sustained activity on the moon and eventual activity on Mars.

Dayton’s existing connections

Wright State President Sue Edwards said the university already works with Wright-Patterson and the U.S. Space Force and participates in Space Force education. Ohio’s pitch also highlights NASA facilities in Cleveland and Sandusky as part of the state’s broader aerospace network.

The state must submit its response under the federal process before any location decision, construction or opening can move forward.