Trump signs memo to help drastically boost US commercial space launches

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum Monday directing federal agencies to accelerate efforts to significantly increase the number of commercial space launches in the United States, aiming for at least 1,000 launches and re-entries annually by 2030. This represents a dramatic jump from the 178 launches recorded in 2024, a number already tenfold greater than in 2013. The majority of these launches are currently handled by SpaceX, led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The memo outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster the commercial space industry by encouraging collaboration between government agencies and private companies. It mandates that agencies work to develop shared space transportation infrastructure, streamline permitting processes, and speed up environmental impact assessments. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for sufficient wireless spectrum allocation to support increased space launch operations. According to the directive, Trump seeks to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2028. The memo instructs NASA to promote commercial transportation services to the lunar surface and to explore commercial opportunities for sending robotic probes to Mars, as well as human missions to the planet. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, stated that the new national space transportation policy aligns with current trends of rapid expansion and aims to position the United States as a leader in the upcoming phase of space exploration. Kratsios emphasized that the policy advocates for a “commercial-first” approach, aiming to establish a presence on the Moon by 2028 and begin constructing foundational elements of a lunar base by 2030. The directive also highlights the importance of developing robust and flexible launch capabilities essential for national security purposes. Trump has requested that a new federal re-entry site be identified within 90 days. Furthermore, he instructed agencies to avoid engaging in government-led space transportation initiatives that could hinder or rival commercial space endeavors, except when necessary for public safety or national defense reasons. Earlier this year, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration noted that SpaceX aims to achieve 10,000 annual launches within the next five years. In 2025 alone, SpaceX executed 170 launches, deploying approximately 2,500 satellites. Recently, SpaceX announced plans to launch a constellation of one million satellites designed to orbit Earth and utilize solar energy to power artificial intelligence data centers. The president has tasked multiple cabinet-level agencies with swiftly identifying potential future locations for space launch and re-entry facilities on government-owned land, while also designating key airspace zones crucial for space launch corridors. Integration of space transportation activities into the modernization of air traffic control systems was also highlighted as a priority. At the beginning of his second presidential term, Trump frequently discussed the prospect of sending missions to Mars, a topic that resonated with Musk, who has long championed the goal of sending humans to the Red Planet. During his tenure, Musk served as a close advisor and held a prominent role as a government efficiency officer. However, members of Congress have gradually refocused attention on returning to the Moon, urging NASA to remain committed to its Artemis lunar program, which has received substantial financial backing. The memo also includes provisions allowing federal agencies to evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, applications for launching commercial foreign space vehicles within the United States.