The US is advancing its largest space militarization effort since the Cold War. President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday prioritizing manned lunar missions, establishing a Moon base, and deploying space-based defense systems. Shortly after, the Pentagon announced $3.5 billion in military satellite contracts, signaling unprecedented integration of civilian space exploration and military strategy.
Titled "Securing America's Space Dominance," the executive order mandates a manned Moon landing by 2028 and a permanent lunar base by 2030, while directing the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to develop space security strategies.
Following the policy announcement, the US Space Development Agency revealed fixed-price contracts worth $3.5 billion with Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and Rocket Lab USA for 72 infrared satellites to enhance missile warning, tracking, and defense systems. These satellites, scheduled for launch into low-Earth orbit by 2029, will provide near-continuous global coverage.
**2028 Moon Landing Goal**
Trump’s 2028 manned Moon landing target mirrors his 2024 directive from his first term—both deemed highly ambitious. Delays in NASA’s Space Launch System and SpaceX’s Starship development have repeatedly pushed back timelines. Notably, this goal originated from NASA’s plans during the Obama administration.
The executive order calls for "establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar base by 2030," reinforcing NASA’s existing objective to develop long-term bases using nuclear power. The 2028 mission would mark NASA’s first crewed landing under the Artemis program, aimed at sustaining a lunar presence. Progress heavily depends on SpaceX’s Starship lander, previously criticized by NASA’s former acting administrator for slow development.
**$3.5B Military Satellite Network Takes Shape**
The Space Development Agency’s latest contracts confirm accelerated military space deployment. Each of the four defense contractors secured fixed-price deals for 18 satellites, totaling $3.5 billion. Acting Director Gurpartap Sandhoo stated these satellites will enable near-global missile tracking and fire-control-quality trajectory data for defense systems.
Part of the Tranche-3 initiative, the satellites align with the agency’s biennial refresh strategy. The first Tranche-1 satellite launched in September from Vandenberg Space Force Base via SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The agency plans to deploy 154 operational satellites in Tranche-1, achieving initial capability by 2027.
**Space Policy Overhaul**
Trump’s order restructures national space policy coordination under Presidential Science Advisor Michael Kratsios. The fate of the National Space Council—revived during Trump’s first term—was uncertain after discussions about its dissolution. However, an official confirmed it will continue under the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, with the President replacing the Vice Chair.
The directive also tasks the Pentagon and intelligence agencies with drafting space security strategies, urges private contractors to improve efficiency, and seeks missile-defense demonstrations under Trump’s "Golden Dome" initiative.
**NASA Budget Cuts and Dual Objectives**
Despite renewed lunar focus, NASA faces fiscal constraints. A 20% workforce reduction under Musk-led efficiency measures and potential 25% budget cuts by 2026 (from $25B) threaten dozens of science missions. New Administrator Isaacman advocates simultaneous Moon and Mars goals, reflecting Congressional pressure to prioritize lunar programs after billions in investments.
Early in Trump’s second term, Mars missions dominated discussions, with SpaceX’s Musk—a key advisor—championing the cause. However, legislative intervention refocused policy on the Moon.
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