Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has created a statewide steering committee to develop a proposal for the state to host the U.S. Space Academy, a planned federal service academy for space-related operations. Hobbs announced the effort Friday. The academy was proposed in an Aug. 28 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which assigned NASA a lead role. NASA is aiming to start classes by 2028, according to the announcement. The committee brings together university researchers, aerospace and technology executives, local officials and former military and space leaders. Its members include former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory director Laurie Leshin, now an Arizona State University professor; University of Arizona Space Institute director Erika Hamden; and David Trilling, who chairs Northern Arizona University’s Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science. Former U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Pete Worden are also members. The group will build Arizona’s case around the state’s universities, aerospace and defense industries, research capacity and advanced manufacturing sector. Arizona State University professor Leshin said the state’s universities work on numerous space missions and offer a deep pool of expertise. Arizona is not guaranteed to host the academy. Trump will make the final location decision after receiving recommendations from a commission chaired by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. The committee also includes Arizona Space Commission Chair Brett Mecum, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson, Phantom Space co-founder and CEO Jim Cantrell, and the mayors of Yuma and Sierra Vista. Its formation launches a state effort to compete for an institution that could bring education and workforce opportunities in the growing space sector, though no location has been selected.