President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order on Thursday, directing NASA and the U.S. government to land astronauts on the moon by 2028. The order also emphasizes protecting space from potential weapon threats and reorganizes national space policy oversight under Trump’s chief science adviser, Michael Kratsios.
The announcement came hours after Jared Isaacman, a private astronaut and former SpaceX client, was sworn in as NASA’s 15th administrator. Going forward, the president will serve as chairman instead of the vice president.
Lunar Timeline and Artemis Program Goals
Trump’s 2028 lunar target mirrors his 2019 directive for a 2024 moon landing, which many in the industry viewed as overly ambitious. Delays in NASA’s Space Launch System and SpaceX’s Starship have shifted the timeline. For reference, NASA had previously set a 2028 target under President Obama.
The order also calls for initial elements of a permanent lunar base by 2030, including nuclear-powered facilities. This effort positions the U.S. ahead of China, which targets its first crewed moon landing in 2030.
NASA Administrator Isaacman supports pursuing both the moon and Mars but prioritizes the lunar program to maintain a competitive edge.
Challenges and Dependence on SpaceX Starship
Achieving the 2028 goal depends heavily on the development of SpaceX’s Starship lander. Some experts, including former NASA officials, have criticized the program for slow progress.
