Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Experts anticipate potential shifts in NASA’s Artemis program under President-elect Donald Trump, possibly accelerating plans to return astronauts to the moon to keep pace with China’s ambitious lunar goals for 2030.
Elon Musk, one of Trump’s prominent supporters, may gain increased influence, especially regarding regulations. Reports indicate Musk has proposed SpaceX employees for government roles, potentially within defence and regulatory bodies.
SpaceX’s Starship program, facing delays due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, may see regulatory adjustments to expedite development. Experts suggest this could align with the administration’s push for rapid progress in U.S. space capabilities.
As NASA’s costly SLS rocket faces scrutiny, Musk’s lower-cost Starship could present an alternative. Some anticipate pressure to reassess the SLS program, which has faced significant budget overruns and technical challenges.
The administration is expected to prioritize U.S. space leadership, with a focus on countering China’s space advancements, including its plans for lunar missions and Mars sample-return missions, which could precede NASA’s.
Given rising costs, NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission might face restructuring. Some experts suggest SpaceX’s Starship could be incorporated into MSR plans, possibly offering a cost-effective approach for transporting samples.
NASA’s Earth science missions may be revisited, as Trump’s previous term saw attempts to reduce funding for such initiatives. This could lead to cutbacks or a redirection of resources within NASA.
With potential regulatory easing, experts worry about the impacts of satellite mega constellations, particularly regarding orbital congestion and debris. There are concerns about balancing rapid growth in commercial satellite deployments with space sustainability and security.