Moreno Leads Ohio’s Push to Bring Space Force Academy to Ohio

WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), and Ohio’s statewide leaders launched a joint effort to bring the United States Space Force Academy to Dayton, Ohio. “The Space Academy’s natural home is in Ohio, the birthplace of aviation and the epicenter of America’s space exploration,” said Senator Moreno. “President Trump knows that Ohio has the resources, the history, and the talent to get this done. Under his leadership, America isn’t just going back to the Moon, we’re staying there.” “I have worked to make Dayton and Ohio the aerospace capital of the world,” said Senator Husted. “Between growing Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, to supporting the growth of Dayton’s innovative and robust aerospace industry, we have done just that. Leveraging the strengths of Wright-Patterson and NASA-Glenn, Ohio is best possible place for the Space Academy to train future generations of aerospace leaders.” “The United States Space Academy is a great opportunity for our community. With Sen. Moreno in the lead, Ohio is making the strongest possible case for bringing the Space Academy to WPAFB, a headquarters command site for air and space research, intelligence and innovation,” said Congressman Turner. “Our region has the expertise, infrastructure, and workforce to win this historic investment, and build the next generation of American space leadership right here in Ohio.” “Ohio is home to the birthplace of aviation,” said Ohio Senate President Rob McColley. “With our rich history ranging from the Wright Brothers to Neil Armstrong it makes sense to bring Space Force Academy home to Ohio.” “Ohio continues to be at the forefront of innovation and a national leader in aerospace and defense,” said Matt Huffman, Speaker of the Ohio House. “With a long-standing history of aerospace trailblazers like Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and the Wright brothers, establishing the space academy in Ohio would build on that legacy and further strengthen our state’s role in advancing America’s national defense.” “Wright State University is committed to leveraging its existing partnerships with Wright Patterson, the Space Force, NASA, AFIT and others to assist with Ohio’s bid for the Space Academy” said WSU President Sue Edwards. “As a member of the U.S. Space Command Academic Engagement Enterprise we are already focused on producing high quality graduates who are ready to step into a variety of military and civilian work roles within the Space Force.” Background: On August 28, 2026, President Trump announced the creation of the U.S. Space Force Academy to train the next generation of Space Force personnel, NASA scientists, and space industry leaders. As the birthplace of aviation and some of America’s most legendary astronauts, Ohio has made historic contributions to space exploration. The state is already home to some of the nation’s most premier space and aerospace infrastructure—NASA Glenn Research Center, the Armstrong Test Facility, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and The Ohio State University’s Voyager Institute for Space, Technology and Advancement. In August 2025, NASA Glenn was designated as the lead developer of the Fission Surface Power system to power long-term human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. The center is also driving NASA’s next-generation Solar Electric Propulsion work aimed to send astronauts to Mars. Neil Armstrong Test Facility is home to the world’s largest vacuum chamber and the only in-space propulsion test facility capable of putting rockets and spacecraft through simulated high-altitude, deep-space conditions before they launch. Wright-Patt is home to the Air Force Research Laboratory, driving defense and space technology to outpace China and Russia. It is also home to the National Space Intelligence Center, the Space Force’s newest intelligence hub. Astronauts are already required to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Read more from Senator Moreno’s interview with the Dayton Daily News HERE.