West Virginia bids for U.S. Space Academy with inaugural class in 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 02:48 · Archive

West Virginia has submitted a bid to host the United States Space Academy, which NASA plans to open with 300 students in 2028.

West Virginia has submitted a bid to compete for the United States Space Academy, with NASA planning an inaugural class of 300 students in 2028. The permanent campus would require at least 300 acres and accommodate 1,200 students by 2031, with potential eventual expansion to approximately 4,000 students.

Governor Patrick Morrisey said the project could bring good-paying jobs, investment and educational opportunities to the state. He emphasised that "economic development has to translate into something real for West Virginia families", stating the focus is on jobs and affordability.

McDowell County is positioning itself as part of the state's bid. The county's executive director of the chamber of commerce said it needs the project to move forward. McDowell County claims connections to NASA through Homer Hickam, a retired NASA engineer who grew up in nearby Coalwood and featured in the 'Rocket Boys' story.

West Virginia enters the competition amid significant economic development activity. In less than one year, the state secured approximately $96 billion in announced private-sector investment and more than 19,000 projected jobs, roughly nine times the level of development projects it had previously seen over a comparable period.

How it is being reported

• McDowell County looks to lead West Virginia’s Space Force Academy bidNew York has West Point. Maryland has the Naval Academy. Colorado has the Air Force Academy. West Virginia is seeking to become home to the Space Force Academy.WVVA · 9 Oct, 02:14
• West Virginia makes bid for U.S. Space AcademyEDITOR'S NOTE: Video attached to this story is from our previous coverage. KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) - A bid has been submitted to compete for the United States Space Academy in West Virginia. According to a press release from Governor Morrisey, West Virginia is officially in the running to bring the Space Academy to the [...]Wowktv · 7 Oct, 21:07

In this story: West Virginia · NASA · Patrick Morrisey · McDowell County · Homer Hickam

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