Space Section of OSTP Science & Technology Highlights Report: An Overview of the Trump Administration’s Space Policy Initiatives
By Keith Cowing, NASA Watch
January 21, 2026
Introduction
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) recently released a detailed report highlighting science and technology achievements and policy directions under the Trump Administration during its first year in office, focusing heavily on space. This report, spanning pages 49-55, outlines significant initiatives aimed at cementing U.S. leadership in space exploration, national security, and commercial space development. The document showcases the administration’s strategic emphasis on leveraging space for America’s prosperity, defense, and scientific innovation.
Space: America’s Ultimate High Ground
President Donald J. Trump’s administration views space not only as a frontier for exploration but also as a critical domain for national security and economic growth. In his statement dated July 20, 2025, President Trump affirmed that with “our incredible Guardians in the U.S. Space Force protecting America’s interests in space,” the country is securing vital systems related to exploration, defense, and communication. Space-based assets are integral to everyday conveniences like GPS, communications, and missile warning systems, underpinning the nation’s modern economy and security.
The administration’s approach recognizes space as a boundless opportunity for new industries, technological innovation, and profound scientific discoveries that expand human knowledge.
Key Policy Directions and Achievements
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Executive Orders for Space Superiority and Defense
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The Iron Dome for America (EO 14186, January 2025): This order mandates the development of a next-generation missile defense shield incorporating space-based assets to detect and intercept attacks against the U.S., underscoring space’s role in national defense.
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Ensuring American Space Superiority (EO 14369, December 2025): This pivotal order refocuses the U.S. space program towards an ambitious lunar landing by 2028, establishing a permanent lunar outpost by 2030. It prioritizes defending national and economic security from threats in low-Earth orbit through cislunar space, including countering potential adversary weapons placed in space. The order also initiates a national innovation push to develop nuclear reactors for space applications, including lunar surface reactors aimed for launch by 2030. 2. Research and Development Investments
The Fiscal Year 2027 R&D Budget Priorities emphasize sustained investments in space technologies to maintain America’s dominance in civilian and defense missions, enable breakthroughs in exploration, and unlock new commercial opportunities.
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Space Policy Directives (SPDs) from the First Trump Administration
The foundational steps taken during the previous term include:
- SPD-1 (2017): Reinvigorated human space exploration.
- SPD-2 (2018): Streamlined commercial space regulations.
- SPD-3 (2018): Established national space traffic management.
- SPD-4 (2019): Created the United States Space Force.
- SPD-5 (2020): Set cybersecurity principles for space systems.
- SPD-6 (2020): Outlined strategies for space nuclear power and propulsion.
- SPD-7 (2021): Established policies for space-based positioning, navigation, and timing.
These directives underpinned achievements such as re-establishing the National Space Council, advancing lunar exploration goals through NASA, the first all-female spacewalk, and historic commercial crewed launches to the International Space Station (ISS).
Space Exploration Highlights
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Permanent Lunar Presence & Mars Preparation
The 2025 Executive Order mandates a lunar landing by 2028 and the establishment of infrastructure for a continuous human presence on the lunar surface by 2030. This initiative lays the groundwork for lunar economic development and serves as a stepping stone towards human missions to Mars. Additionally, it supports nuclear energy development for space applications — a significant technological advancement aimed at powering sustained operations on the Moon and beyond.
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Artemis II Mission Preparations
The Artemis Program, initiated during Trump’s first term, aims to return humans to the Moon. The upcoming Artemis II mission will send astronauts around the Moon in 2026. NASA has recently completed stacking and integrating key components of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center. Extensive crew training, mission simulations, and recovery rehearsals have been conducted to ensure mission success and safety.
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International Partnership Expansion through Artemis Accords
The Artemis Accords, launched in 2020, establish international principles for peaceful and cooperative civil space exploration. In the past year, eight additional countries joined this framework, raising the total number of signatories to 60. The Accords promote transparency, interoperability, and responsible behavior in space activities.
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Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
The U.S. strengthened ties with Argentina, South Korea, the European Union, Italy, and Australia, among others. Noteworthy is the fourth U.S.-South Korea Civil Space Dialogue and the 13th U.S.-EU Space Dialogue, focusing on collaborative efforts in lunar exploration, space security, and technology sharing. The interoperability between U.S. GPS and EU Galileo navigation systems continues to improve, enhancing global satellite services.
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Sustaining the International Space Station
In 2025, the ISS celebrated 25 years of continuous human operations. The Trump administration recommitted to maintaining a strong presence in low Earth orbit, supporting commercial market development in space, and planning for an eventual transition to next-generation orbital platforms by 2030. —
Commercial Space Industry Support
To foster innovation and competitive dynamics in commercial space, President Trump signed Executive Order 14335 in August 2025, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing coordination within the commercial space sector. Although the report excerpt ends prematurely on this topic, it highlights the administration’s ongoing commitment to unlocking private sector potential.
Conclusion
The Trump Administration’s first-year OSTP science and technology highlights place a significant emphasis on space as a domain vital to America’s national security, economic vitality, and leadership in science and exploration. Through robust policy initiatives, strategic partnerships, and forward-looking investment, the administration seeks to secure American dominance in space, extend human presence beyond Earth, and encourage peaceful international collaboration.
This comprehensive approach marks a continuation and expansion of efforts initiated during President Trump’s first term, reflecting a vision of space as the ultimate frontier — a high ground where America leads, innovates, and inspires future generations.
For further information or to engage with the discussion on America’s space policy, contact Keith Cowing at keithlcowing@gmail.com or by phone at +1.703.787.6567.
Note: This article is not affiliated with NASA and is intended to encourage public engagement and awareness regarding U.S. space initiatives.
