STARS Act of 2026

(a) In general. The permanent campus of the Academy shall be located within the State of Florida.

(b) Site selection criteria. In selecting the specific site within the State of Florida, the Administrator shall give priority to sites that—

(1) are in reasonable proximity to, or have or plan to have reasonable access to, the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station;

(2) currently allow for, or plan for, direct academic and operational partnership with Space Launch Delta 45 and Patrick Space Force Base;

(3) can accommodate the future growth of the Academy's cadet corps, faculty, and supporting infrastructure; and

(4) leverage existing Federal, State, or university-owned land to minimize acquisition costs within the State of Florida.

(c) Coordination with State of Florida. The Administrator shall consult with the Governor of Florida in carrying out this section.