The US space program has always been driven by politics, with domestic and global issues influencing decisions on major space initiatives. A prime example is President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to land astronauts on the Moon during the Cold War era. The Nixon administration’s decision to end the Apollo program and focus on a reusable Space Shuttle was also a political move.
The Clinton administration later reevaluated NASA’s plans for a massive space station, resulting in Russia’s inclusion in the International Space Station program. While these decisions were flawed, they were backed by reasoning, debate, and national consensus.
However, recent politics in space seem more personal and petty. Despite this, a busy launch schedule is on the horizon, which may offer a temporary reprieve from the current state of affairs. Rocket Lab recently launched its 60th Electron rocket from New Zealand, marking an established milestone for the company.
The latest launch was the second of the year, with a new-generation small electro-optical reconnaissance satellite for BlackSky as the payload. With plans for multiple launches in the coming weeks, Rocket Lab is poised to continue its growth in the launch business.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/02/rocket-report-spacex-lands-in-the-bahamas-ula-tests-modified-booster