Although space exploration was not the primary issue during the election campaign, the administration still has plans for the US space agency.
Donald Trump took the oath and became the 45th president of the United States on January 20th. For his part received 6 applications related to NASA.
Trump has big plans for Mars
Most likely, he will make several important decisions regarding key programs for Mars. NASA plans to send people to the Red Planet in the 2030s, using the rocket launcher of the Space Launch System (SLS). They also use the Orion spacecraft. He has already passed one test flight. SLS will have the necessary momentum to launch people to the Moon, Mars or other directions. But for now these are only developments and there are no missiles with such capabilities yet.
“The president will inherit a space program that already has ambitions related to Mars. But we do not yet have the necessary hardware, ”said Casey Dreyer, director of space policy, in November. “The administration must decide: should it continue to develop these programs? What will be the direction? Do I need to make changes? Or maybe it’s better to cancel everything? ... These are incredibly important questions. ”
Barack Obama's 2011 budget effectively suppressed NASA programs related to returning to the moon, and some funds were invested by SLS and Orion. There is still a discussion among experts about whether it is necessary to gain a foothold on the Moon in order to advance on the way to Mars. The president cannot completely cancel the Mars program, but he is able to abandon the SLS and take advantage of the heavy-lift missiles being developed by the private company SpaceX. The Falcon Heavy rocket will also be able to send a spacecraft and travel all the way to the planet. Ilon Mask, founder and CEO, outlined his colonization goals. They plan to launch their own uninhabited spacecraft to Mars as early as 2018. SLS proponents claim that the two transportation systems will be safer for the crew (if one of them fails during the delivery of food, then it has insurance).
Representatives of the agency say that soon the private sector will play a large role in near-earth work. Now the ISS serves as laboratories where scientists and private companies can conduct experiments in microgravity conditions. But very soon there will be an option to go to private space stations.
“Landing Experts”
Trump expelled “landing experts” to some large federal agencies to help them adapt to the new administration. The team consists mainly of people who have experience with NASA.
The lead team is led by Chris Shank, who worked as director of NASA's strategic investments in 2005–2009. Besides him, they include: Sandra Magnus - a former astronaut who flew three times into space and was the executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2012 and Steve Cook - was responsible for the Ares 1 and Ares 5 programs. They can share with current NASA staff. And that means Trump is still interested in space issues. Trump has not yet appointed leaders
There are still no candidates for the positions of NASA administrator, deputy, and also the head of science and technology policy in the White House. This is not typical. Potential names emerge, but the administration does not give official comments. And until it is decided, Lightfoot will fulfill its duties.
Most rumors are born around a post in the White House. Rick Mertens says it is rumored that Trump just does not know who to appoint.
Trump can reduce or eliminate NASA’s Earth science department
He can stand on the side of those who believe that it is necessary to reduce the program for exploring the Earth. Robert S. Walker and Peter Navarro (Trump's advisers) said: "NASA should focus on deep space activities, and it is better for the Earth to take over other institutions."
This is not a new position, and many members of Congress have repeatedly stated that all scientific activities on the planet should be carried out by other agencies. However, NASA believes that earth science plays an important role in many missions.
Trump can restore the National Space Council
This is an advisory council that will advise the president on decisions on space matters. President George G. W. Bush has supported its operation from 1988-1993. It is possible that the council will be headed by Mike Pence.
“It does not guarantee that the president will heed the advice,” says Dreyer. “Perhaps this is a sign that Trump takes the question seriously. But all the advice is recommendations, not mandatory requirements. ” Experts also express concern about the negative aspects that will emerge with the revival of this body. Trump is likely to maintain relations with private companies
Trump did not disclose all his plans. But he expressed support for a partnership between the state and the private sector in terms of space flight. This means that NASA will continue to cooperate with SpaceX and Boeing.
“Such partnerships not only cut costs,” say Walker and Navarro, “but help think outside of bureaucratic structures and rules.”
This position is confirmed by the actions of the agency. NASA has long been working with private companies, relying on Orbital ATK, Cygnus, SpaceX and Boeing, which provide spacecraft and rockets to send cargo into space. Now their help is needed more than ever, because NASA plans to send people on long-term missions.
