space
January 2, 2026
Donald Trump wants the US back on the moon before his term ends. Can it happen?
After losing a year to havoc and job-slashing at Nasa, the pressure is on billionaire administrator Jared Isaacman
TL;DR
- Artemis 2 is set to fly astronauts around the moon in spring, marking a significant step in human spaceflight.
- Jared Isaacman's new leadership at NASA and the private space industry's role are crucial for the US's race against China to the lunar surface.
- Donald Trump's directive for 'American space superiority' includes planting the US flag on the moon before the end of his second term.
- The Artemis program is framed explicitly as a race against China, which aims to land on the moon in 2030 through its Chang'e project.
- Artemis 3, planned for mid-2027, will include the first woman and first person of color on a lunar landing mission.
- NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is currently planned for Artemis 2 and 3, but its long-term sustainability is questioned, with Starship potentially used for future missions.
- Challenges for NASA include job cuts, budget proposals, and the confirmation process for Isaacman, leading to a perceived 'lost year' in strategic planning.
- Experts anticipate clearer paths forward on initiatives like phasing out SLS, leasing private space stations, and developing lunar communication services.
- Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are advancing their capabilities, with SpaceX dominating launches and Blue Origin preparing for lunar missions.
- The reliance on private companies for critical lunar landing capabilities raises questions about US control over its own national priorities.
- 2026 is expected to see further advances in private-public partnerships in space.
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