Steve Carell is set to head up a new comedy series for Netflix based on Donald Trump’s space force initiative.

The actor has co-created the show with long-time collaborator Greg Daniels, who developed the American remake of The Office. The comedy, titled Space Force, will focus on the team tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services.

Netflix unveiled the news with a quick teaser linking the project to the 18 June announcement that Trump would be launching his space force “to defend satellites from attack” and “perform other space-related tasks”. The 67-second video then explains that the show will be about “the men and women who have to figure it out”.

The project marks Carell’s second announced TV appearance on a streaming platform. The actor has also been confirmed for Apple’s new untitled comedy series about the workings of a morning TV show. Carell will play an anchor alongside Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston. Carell’s role in The Office earned him nine Emmy nominations and one Golden Globe.

The actor is coming off a busy year on the big screen with roles in addiction drama Beautiful Boy, Dick Cheney biopic Vice and Welcome to Marwen by Robert Zemeckis. The latter was one of 2018’s biggest commercial misfires, making just $12m worldwide from a $39m budget.

Space Force is the latest big star project coming to Netflix with other original shows featuring Idris Elba, Renee Zellweger, Henry Cavill, Gwyneth Paltrow and Toni Collette all on the way.