Trump signs new space policy directive to send Americans to Moon, Mars

Nasa press release: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/new-space-policy-directiv...

The Repubs and Dems have been playing political football (um, soccer) with the National Space Council.

   “
   The Space Policy Directive 1, as it's called, was based 
   on recommendations of the National Space Council, which 
   Trump directed to reestablish in June to advise and help 
   implement his space policy with exploration as a national 
   priority.

   The council was first created in 1989 during the 
   administration of President George H.W. Bush but later 
   disbanded in 1993 under President Bill Clinton.

   It marked a return to the vision of President George W. 
   Bush, whose Constellation program aimed to return 
   astronauts to the moon by 2020 and then go on to Mars.

   However, Constellation was cancelled in 2010 by then-
   President Barack Obama, on the grounds that Americans 
   "have been there before" and that "there's a lot more of 
   space to explore."
   “[0]

Here's hoping that whoever follows Trump leaves the Space Policy Directive in place. Regardless, the US has by far and away the most planned and funded future moon missions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_the_Moon#F... – China, Japan, and India are ramping up.

[0] http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201712/12/WS5a2f3829a3108bc8c...