Civic Register
| 12.12.17

Trump Wants to Send Astronauts to Moon, Mars

Join us and tell your reps how you feel!

What’s the story?

President Donald Trump has signed his first space policy directive, ordering NASA to focus on returning humans to the moon, and, eventually, Mars.

Surrounded by astronauts and dignitaries, the President said Space Policy Directive 1 would "restore American leadership in space."

Why does it matter?

As the President noted during his signing ceremony, it’s been nearly five decades since an American stepped foot on the lunar surface.

"Exactly 45 years ago, almost to the minute, Jack [Schmitt] become one of the last Americans to land on the moon," Trump said, referring to the 1972 Apollo 17 mission. "Today, we pledge that he will not be the last."

The President also hopes for a first:

"This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprint, we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars and perhaps someday to many worlds beyond."

What do you think?

Should NASA focus on getting boots on the lunar ground? Or, as some have argued, should moon exploration be left to the private sector? Hit Take Action, tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

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(Photo Credit: Tokarsky / iStockphoto)