Trump Unveils Sweeping Space Plan with Moon Landing by 2028 and Nuclear Power in Orbit
The White House on Thursday announced a sweeping new space initiative aimed at establishing U.S. dominance in the next era of space — economically, militarily, and technologically.
President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” outlines an aggressive timeline targeting a lunar return by 2028 and the establishment of the first permanent lunar outpost elements by 2030. The plan also designates the moon as a strategic staging ground for future Mars missions and a launchpad for commercial space development.
Administration officials described the initiative as critical to preserving American leadership in space as rivals such as China accelerate their own ambitions.
The order treats space as a paramount national security issue, mandating new missile defense technologies, expanded monitoring capabilities from low-Earth orbit through lunar proximity, and explicit protocols for detecting and countering nuclear weapons deployed in space.
The administration directed the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies to overhaul how they acquire space assets, prioritizing speed, flexibility, and increased commercial partnerships.
Commercial involvement is central to the strategy. The executive order sets a goal of securing at least $50 billion in private investment into U.S. space markets by 2028 and accelerating launch rates through infrastructure improvements and regulatory adjustments.
The plan also calls for privately operated space stations to replace the International Space Station by the end of the decade, signaling a shift from government-managed platforms to a market-driven model.
One of the most significant provisions requires deploying nuclear power systems in space, including a lunar surface reactor slated for launch by 2030. Officials argue this is essential for sustaining human presence beyond Earth, where solar energy alone may be insufficient.
Additionally, the order addresses growing orbital congestion, instructing agencies to enhance space traffic management, mitigate debris risks, and establish global standards for navigation and timing systems — efforts designed to ensure U.S. rules become international benchmarks.
Implementation deadlines are stringent, requiring agencies to review underperforming or over-budget programs within months, streamline procurement processes, and submit coordinated plans to the president.
Several existing space policies were revoked or revised to facilitate this more commercial and security-oriented approach.
Supporters contend that space is a competitive domain directly linked to economic growth and national defense. Critics warn of the vast scope of the ambitions and the financial risks, with Congress retaining control over appropriations.
