Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting 1,000 Annual Space Launches by 2030
The memorandum also sets a goal of returning American astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028 and emphasises a commercial-first approach to the US space programme.
Washington1 min read
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President Donald Trump on 20 August 2026 signed a memorandum aimed at expanding America's commercial space activity to at least 1,000 launches and re-entries per year by 2030.
The order also calls for American astronauts to return to the Moon by 2028. It underscores a commercially driven model rather than a purely government-led programme.
In 2025 the United States recorded 178 launches. Reaching the new target would require a roughly six-fold increase within four years. The memorandum directs relevant agencies to streamline regulatory processes that currently limit the pace of commercial operations.
The lunar goal of 2028 is more aggressive than previous Artemis timelines. Success would depend on the readiness of commercial lunar landers and supporting infrastructure already under development by private companies under NASA contracts.
Industry groups have long argued that regulatory bottlenecks at the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies constrain launch cadence. The new order provides political direction to reduce those constraints while maintaining safety standards.
Whether the numerical targets are achievable will become clearer as licensing throughput and range capacity are measured against the stated goals over the next several years.
