Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating that American astronauts return to the Moon by 2028.

According to Anadolu Agency, the order outlines a vision to send astronauts back to the lunar surface by the last full year of Trump's presidential term and to establish initial elements of a permanent Moon base by 2030. The directive is part of an effort to fortify US leadership in space and advance national security and commercial interests.

The executive order details plans to deploy nuclear reactors on the Moon's surface and in orbit, with a lunar surface nuclear reactor ready for launch by 2030. The White House statement emphasizes that next-generation space technologies are projected to contribute to fields such as precision agriculture, weather forecasting, aviation safety, and global broadband internet access.

The statement further indicates that US capabilities to detect and counter security threats to space assets will be bolstered, underscoring the importance of space security for national defense and economic sovereignty. The administration aims to cultivate a dynamic space economy led by free enterprise and to facilitate next-generation space capabilities.

The directive is designed to stimulate private sector innovation and investment by enhancing launch infrastructure and developing a commercial roadmap to replace the International Space Station by 2030. Earlier in the year, the Trump administration proposed significant cuts to NASA's science budget, leading to the cancellation of numerous space missions.

Jared Isaacman, recently confirmed as the head of NASA, faces challenges due to his private astronaut background and ties to Elon Musk, whose SpaceX rockets could benefit financially from NASA contracts. The executive order concludes a tumultuous period for NASA, which has seen a series of acting administrators rather than Congress-approved leaders.