Trump Sets 2028 Moon Return Goal and Pledges Permanent US Presence in Space

November 5, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed plans to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2028 and establish a permanent US presence there, declaring space exploration, development and settlement a national priority.

In a proclamation issued on November 3, Trump said the United States would pursue the development of facilities and resources in space, with the longer-term ambition of sending an American astronaut to Mars.

The proclamation, titled The American Declaration of Freedom in Space, describes the solar system and outer space as the province of all humanity while committing the US to lead their exploration and use.

It also states that American citizens should be able to explore, develop and establish a permanent presence beyond Earth, subject to US law and the country's international obligations.

Trump cited the Artemis programme as central to the ambition, saying the Artemis II mission had carried astronauts around the Moon in April 2026, while Artemis III was expected to undertake a series of complex test flights the following summer.

NASA's published mission plans describe Artemis III, scheduled for 2027, as a crewed demonstration mission in low Earth orbit to test systems needed for future lunar landings. The agency identifies Artemis IV as the mission intended to return astronauts to the lunar surface.

The proclamation also calls for greater private-sector participation in the space industry, alongside investment in human spaceflight, scientific research and technologies intended to support long-term activity beyond Earth.

However, the declaration does not establish US sovereignty over the Moon or other celestial bodies. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which forms the foundation of international space law, prohibits countries from claiming national ownership of outer space, the Moon or other celestial bodies through sovereignty, occupation or other means.

The treaty allows states to explore and use space, but requires those activities to comply with international law. It also makes governments responsible for national space activities, including those conducted by private companies.

Trump's proclamation therefore sets out the administration's ambitions for American exploration and development in space within the limits of existing international obligations.

Source: FSX Business News