South Carolina and the United States Space Academy

The memorandum urges the Governor to designate a State Selecting Official and a Responding Entity in writing so South Carolina can prepare a coordinated response to NASA’s request for information. It frames the Academy as an opportunity to build on the state’s military training institutions and aerospace base.

The Society offers its research on the history and methods of professional development for the space workforce, particularly for the request’s section on a cohesive and distinct Academy experience. The memorandum introduces the proposed “Space Year”: a culminating capstone that brings students from different disciplines together through applied work.

The memorandum requests a 20-minute meeting with the staff member coordinating the designations, or the designated response lead, to discuss potential contributions. The Society’s broader Space Academy research continues alongside this correspondence.