Space Policy

U.S. space policy balances exploration, security, and commerce. President Trump’s December 2025 Executive Order “Ensuring American Space Superiority” prioritizes returning Americans to the Moon by 2028 via Artemis, establishing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, and preparing for Mars.

Exploration and Ambition

The order mandates a commercial ISS replacement by 2030 and nuclear power for lunar operations. It seeks $50 billion in new space investments by 2028, boosting private launch services.

National Security and Defense

Space is a warfighting domain, with directives for missile defense prototypes by 2028, countering threats like jamming, hacking, and nuclear weapons in orbit. The U.S. Space Force advances resilient architectures and on-orbit servicing demos in 2026.

Commercial Partnership

Policies emphasize public-private ties, with FAA licensing, Commerce-led reforms, and contracts for commercial capabilities. The National Space Council coordinates security and science amid debates on space property rights.

Future Challenges

Efforts address planetary defense and asteroid mining competition.