Trump makes 2028 Moon landing top priority in executive order on US space dominance

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has outlined an ambitious new space agenda, signing an executive order that puts returning Americans to the Moon by 2028 at the centre of US policy. The directive, signed on Thursday, Dec 18, frames space as both a national security priority and a proving ground for American leadership.

Titled ‘Ensuring American Space Superiority’, the order calls for faster timelines, expanded military capabilities in orbit and a long-term American presence beyond Earth.

Trump makes 2028 Moon return a national priority

The most striking element of Trump’s executive order is its clear deadline: American astronauts must return to the Moon by 2028. The administration describes the goal as essential to securing US leadership in space at a time of rising global competition.

“The United States must therefore pursue a space policy that will extend the reach of human discovery, secure the Nation's vital economic and security interests, unleash commercial development and lay the foundation for a new space age,” the executive order states.

Trump’s plan goes beyond a symbolic landing. The order directs federal agencies to begin preparations for constructing a permanent lunar base by 2030, ensuring what it calls a “sustained American presence in space” and creating a launchpad for future missions to Mars.

Permanent Moon base and Mars ambitions take shape

According to the directive, the proposed Moon base would serve multiple purposes - scientific research, military readiness and commercial development. The administration argues that maintaining a constant US presence on the lunar surface is necessary to prevent rivals from gaining strategic advantages.

NASA’s Artemis program has already been working toward a crewed Moon return later this decade, but Trump’s order accelerates the timeline and ties it directly to national security goals. The document frames lunar infrastructure as a stepping stone toward deeper space exploration, including eventual human missions to Mars.

Nuclear power in space becomes central to Trump’s plan

To support long-term operations on the Moon, Trump’s executive order prioritizes nuclear energy in space. It calls for the deployment of nuclear reactors in Earth orbit and on the lunar surface, with at least one reactor system expected to be ready for launch toward the Moon by 2030.

NASA has spent years developing concepts for space-based fission reactors, viewing them as a reliable power source for lunar habitats and research stations. The order signals a push to move those concepts out of development and into deployment.

Space defense and missile shield initiatives highlighted

The executive order also places heavy emphasis on defense. Trump calls for the development and testing of next-generation missile defense technologies by 2028, tying the effort to his broader vision for a nationwide missile defense system, which he has described as a “Golden Dome” for America.

The administration argues that space-based defense capabilities are critical to protecting US assets on Earth and in orbit, particularly as more nations develop anti-satellite weapons.

Boosting private investment and the US space economy

Beyond exploration and defense, Trump’s directive aims to supercharge the American space economy. The order calls for attracting at least $50 billion in additional private investment in US space markets by 2028 and increasing the pace of rocket launches and landings.

Commercial launch activity is already at record levels, driven largely by private companies such as SpaceX. Trump’s order seeks to build on that momentum by encouraging innovation and reducing regulatory friction.

The document also reinforces plans to replace the International Space Station, which is expected to retire around 2030, with privately operated space stations in low Earth orbit.

NASA leadership and accountability measures outlined

Implementation timelines are built into the order. NASA has been given 90 days to submit a detailed plan explaining how it will meet the administration’s space exploration and Moon return goals.

New NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who officially assumed the role on Thursday, is also tasked with identifying programs that are significantly over budget, behind schedule or misaligned with the new priorities. Those programs must include clear plans for correction.

Biden-era space policy rolled back

Trump’s executive order revokes Executive Order 14056, signed by former President Joe Biden in 2021, which renewed the National Space Council.

The move suggests a shift in how space policy will be coordinated under Trump’s leadership.