State Sen. James Skoufis is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to support New York Stewart International Airport as the state’s proposed location for the future United States Space Academy.

In an Oct. 1 letter to Hochul, Skoufis said NASA is seeking state-sponsored proposals for the academy, which was established by executive order Aug. 26.

Skoufis said the academy would combine technical education with leadership development and civic responsibility while preparing future scientists, engineers, astronauts, pilots and other aerospace and government leaders.

He cited Stewart’s existing aerospace infrastructure, including a runway designated for space shuttle landings, as well as its proximity to Stewart Air National Guard Base and access to Interstate 84 and the Thruway.

Patrick Chase, co-founder of Empire Space, also voiced support for locating the academy in New York, citing the state’s aerospace, cybersecurity, optics, defense, software, manufacturing and other industries.