Trump targets 1,000 US space launches per year

Washington (ANTARA) - United States President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum to develop the US space transport industry, enabling more than 1,000 launches and landings from US territory each year by 2030.

According to a White House fact sheet, the memorandum signed on Thursday (20/8) replaces the US National Space Transportation Policy, which is considered outdated.

The new policy approach focuses on increasing access to space, expanding private sector participation, and strengthening the US space transport industrial base.

The directive asks several federal agencies to work with private companies to develop space transport infrastructure, accelerate licensing and environmental review processes, and improve scheduling and utilisation of launch facilities.

In addition, the new policy directs the NASA administrator to facilitate commercial transport to and from the Moon, support commercial robotic missions to Mars, and explore commercial options for transporting humans to and from Mars.

According to the fact sheet, the expansion of launches is intended to strengthen US national security and the economy, while creating opportunities for commercial space companies and the aerospace manufacturing industry.

The White House said increased launch capacity will also support military readiness, satellite communications, navigation and timing services, weather forecasting, and various other space-based technologies.