What Does Trump’s Return Mean For NASA, Artemis and US Spaceflight? Deep Space Update Special….
The impact of President Trump’s re-election on the US space program over the next four years. Here is a summary of the main points Scott mentioned:
1. **Political impact on space**: Scott began by mentioning that discussing space policy is a sensitive and potentially controversial topic because of its political impact. Elon Musk has publicly endorsed Trump and argued that Trump’s election was necessary to advance space. In contrast, under Biden, NASA’s budget has been increased rather than cut as some predicted.
2. **Artemis and SLS programs**: Scott argued that even if Trump returns, the Artemis program will still be maintained because it was initiated during his term. Trump wants a historic moment when the US lands on the Moon, similar to Nixon’s call to the Apollo astronauts. While the 2024 deadline is unrealistic, Scott predicts that the Artemis program will reach this goal in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest.
3. **Problems with SpaceX’s SLS and Starship**: Scott says that the Space Launch System (SLS) is difficult and expensive, while SpaceX’s Starship could be a potential alternative. However, politicians defend SLS for local economic benefits. Therefore, the possibility of eliminating SLS is difficult unless there is an alternative that has equivalent benefits for the states involved.
4. **NASA and SpaceX**: Some have suggested that SpaceX could replace NASA. However, Scott argues that NASA acts as a customer and research agency, providing not only funding but also infrastructure support to SpaceX and other space companies. He also reiterates that privatizing NASA is not realistic, similar to previous attempts to privatize air traffic control.
5. **NASA chief**: Scott predicts that Trump will take his time selecting a new NASA chief, and Jim Bridenstine (the previous chief) could return, but his support for Ron DeSantis could make things difficult. Greg Autry or Tory Bruno are also potential candidates.
6. **NASA budget**: Scott believes that NASA’s budget could increase in the next few years if the fiscal barriers from the Fiscal Responsibility Act are loosened. However, Trump’s tax cuts could lead to large deficits, which could have a negative impact on the budget.
7. **Space race with China**: Scott believes that NASA and the new administration will focus more on surpassing China in the space race, as this is a national strategic goal.
