A Republican bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
H.R. 10430, known as the STARS Act of 2026, establishes the United States Space Academy as a Federal service academy within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill requires that the permanent campus of the Academy be located in the State of Florida. It mandates that the NASA Administrator select a specific site within Florida that meets certain criteria, such as proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The legislation also directs the Administrator to consult with the Governor of Florida and submit an implementation report to Congress within 180 days. Finally, the bill authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for site acquisition, design, and construction of the Academy.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill establishes an academy dedicated to undergraduate technical education and research preparation within the aerospace domain.
- Scored +5
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Young adults pursuing careers in aerospace engineering and space operations benefit from the establishment of a dedicated federal academy.
- Scored +5
Would students be better off under this?
Students interested in aerospace and space careers gain new educational and professional development opportunities through the academy.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 4(a): The bill establishes the United States Space Academy to provide undergraduate technical education, leadership development, and commissioning or civil-service preparation pathways, which could benefit individuals seeking careers as future leaders of the space domain.
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Section 5(b): The bill requires the permanent campus to be located in Florida and prioritizes sites that allow for direct academic and operational partnerships with Space Launch Delta 45 and Patrick Space Force Base, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which could provide cadets with real-world immersion and training alongside active launch operations.
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Section 5(b)(4): The bill prioritizes sites that leverage existing Federal, State, or university-owned land, which could benefit taxpayers by minimizing land acquisition costs within the State of Florida.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 7: The bill authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the Act, including for site acquisition, design, and construction of the Academy's permanent campus, which could result in a financial burden for taxpayers funding the new Federal service academy.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill establishes an academy dedicated to undergraduate technical education and research preparation within the aerospace domain. Does this make college cost less? — The establishment of the U.S. Space Academy provides an undergraduate technical education pathway for future space domain professionals. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes appropriations for the establishment, design, and construction of a new federal higher education institution.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Students interested in aerospace and space careers gain new educational and professional development opportunities through the academy. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults pursuing careers in aerospace engineering and space operations benefit from the establishment of a dedicated federal academy.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill establishes the U.S. Space Academy, creating new educational, operational, and administrative roles to support future space leaders. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investing in a new federal service academy and specialized workforce pipeline fosters long-term economic competitiveness in the aerospace sector.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Enhancing technical training and education for future space domain leaders indirectly supports broader national security and defense capabilities. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Maintaining American technological leadership and dominance in space can strengthen relationships with allied nations in joint space endeavors.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The legislation requires coordination and consultation with the Governor of Florida regarding site selection within the state.
- 9/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida