What a 2nd Trump term could mean for NASA and space exploration

[Admin]

Former President Donald J. Trump's return to the White House next January will likely bring big changes to NASA's Artemis program and a renewed sense of urgency to a crewed landing on the moon.

What a 2nd Trump term could mean for NASA and space exploration : Read more

 

[fj.torres]

1- The New Mobile Launch Tower looks to be at serious risk of cancellation.

2- So is the SLS after Artemis 3. Especially after Starship gets crew certified, which might be as early as 2026.

3- SLS and Artemis are designed with the best 20th century tech but if Musk is allowed enough input most of the Artemis components can be updated to 21st century tech and sizes. Maybe Artemis 4 can be a pure HLS mission, from LEO to the lunar surface, with or without Gateway.

4- For that matter, Lunar Gateway is likely to get re-scoped; the compatibility of the current design with HLS is iffy and if HLS can deliver 50Tons to the moon, cargo starship can deliver a Haven2 or larger module to lunar orbit. That includes some of the habitats under development for LEO space stations.

5- Shotwell is too valuable to SpaceX to detail her to NASA but Vance should recruit her as at least a consultant to the National Space Council.

Lots of opportunities to shake off the last of Old Space from NASA and make the most of the commercial space startups.

 

[Jogher]

Probably a good prediction as to what Trump's return will mean, but it is also a good description as to why after more than 50 years the US has yet to return to the moon. I.E. the constantly changing NASA priorities forced upon them by successive changes in the US political landscape. Musk may very well be the gutting of NASA, but in 4 years time the priorities will all change again (perhaps sooner with Trump in charge). Musk may find he is no longer the wunderkind he thinks he is, and just like Von Braun - who got the US to the moon the first time around - he will be dumped in order to appeal to other political necessities.

 

[George²]

It really is time for NASA to enter the 21st century. I don't know how it will turn out, but hopefully the new administration has good, young and modern advisors.