The transition team reviewing NASA and its activities has begun drafting potential executive orders for changes to space policy under the Trump Administration. The five-person team, which spent six weeks assessing the agency’s exploration plans, is focusing on increasing effectiveness and velocity in programs.
However, their ideas are still evolving, and it’s unclear how much of a role they’ll play in setting policy. One person familiar with the group noted that the mindset driving their deliberations is a focus on results and speed, rather than business as usual.
The team has been discussing possible elements for an executive order or policy directives, including:
Establishing the goal of sending humans to the Moon and Mars by 2028
Canceling costly rocket programs like the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft
Consolidating Goddard Space Flight Center and Ames Research Center at a field center in Alabama
Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 will likely mark the beginning of these changes, with possible executive orders on issues he campaigned on. One source said Trump’s interest in Mars is driving some of these discussions, echoing his public statements about the need for the US to reach the Red Planet before the end of his term.
Other ideas under consideration include rapidly redesigning the Artemis lunar program and buying out commercial rocket companies. However, it remains unclear how much of this will be implemented by Trump’s administration.
NASA Administrator-designate Jared Isaacman is expected to continue the direction of civil space, pushing for more aggressive use of the US commercial space industry. While some critics worry he’ll favor SpaceX, sources say that’s not the case – instead, Isaacman believes the agency needs help from a broad range of companies to succeed.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-nasa-might-change-under-donald-trump