Trump signs memo boosting commercial space launches

On August 20, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memo to drastically increase U.S. commercial space launches, aiming for at least 1,000 launches and re-entries annually by 2030, up from 178 in 2025. The memo directs government agencies to identify federal land for new launch and re-entry sites, expedite permitting and environmental reviews, ensure adequate wireless spectrum, and incentivize co-development of space transportation infrastructure with private partners. It also directs United States — NASA to facilitate commercial transportation to the Moon and Mars, supporting a return of U.S. astronauts to the Moon by 2028 and initial Moon Base elements by 2030. The policy emphasizes a 'commercial-first approach' and instructs agencies to avoid competing with commercial space activities unless required for public safety or national security. The memo also calls for a new federal re-entry site within 90 days and consideration of launching commercial foreign space vehicles in the U.S. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit SpaceX, which dominated 2025 with 170 launches, and aligns with Elon Musk's Mars ambitions, though Congress has pressured United States — NASA to maintain the Artemis Moon program.