PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has formed a 13-member steering committee to lead the state’s effort to host a proposed United States Space Academy, bringing together representatives from universities, the aerospace industry, local governments and the Arizona Space Commission. President Donald Trump announced the academy concept Aug. 28. The proposed institution is described as a service academy focused on space operations; the announcement also characterized it as a training academy for NASA. Arizona’s committee is charged with developing the state’s proposal, not establishing or securing the academy. “Arizona is bringing together the state’s pre-eminent leaders in space science and exploration, representing our world-class universities, industry partners, local communities and the Arizona Space Commission, to build a strong proposal for NASA,” Hobbs said. The governor’s office cited available land for development, Arizona’s aerospace and defense sector, and the state’s experience supporting NASA missions as assets in its bid. No proposed site, budget, selection schedule or decision-making process was announced. The committee includes Hobbs; former U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett; Laurie Leshin, an Arizona State University professor and former director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory; and Erika Hamden, director of the University of Arizona’s Space Institute. Northern Arizona University astronomy department chair David Trilling and astronaut Sian Proctor are also members. Other members are Pete Worden, a retired Air Force brigadier general and Breakthrough Initiatives executive director; Arizona Space Commission Chair Brett Mecum; Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson; Phantom Space CEO Jim Cantrell; Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls; Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa; and Arizona Technology Council President and CEO Steve Zylstra. The committee’s work will put state and industry leaders at the center of Arizona’s effort to attract a major federal institution. Whether the proposal advances, and what public investment or land it could require, remains unclear.