US astronauts could be back on the moon by 2028
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
A new presidential memorandum signed by Donald Trump sets an ambitious annual benchmark for American commercial space activity within the next four years.
The new National Space Transportation Policy wants government agencies to work together so that the US hits over 1,000 spacecraft launches and returns per year by 2030.
In 2025, there were only 178 of these missions, though that number is already ten times higher than it was back in 2013, and SpaceX was behind most of them.
The order replaces a national space policy that had been in place since 2013, when the previous framework was first adopted.
Within 90 days, several departments must scout available federal land that could host new sites for launching and landing spacecraft.
Approval processes for these facilities should move faster too, with environmental reviews and permits getting streamlined under the new rules.
Access to wireless spectrum, air traffic coordination and a stronger launch workforce are also named as priorities the government must address going forward.
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Agencies have further been told to step back from any activity that might discourage or undercut private companies competing in the same space.
Export policies covering space technology will also be revisited periodically, aimed at protecting American intellectual property while expanding sales abroad.
The policy also calls for regular federal reviews of launch range schedules, intended to make better use of limited windows nationwide.
"This policy meets this moment of explosive growth and positions America to lead the next era of space," said Michael Kratsios, the White House's science and technology policy director.
Beyond Earth orbit, the memorandum pushes NASA toward landing American astronauts on the moon again before the end of 2028.