A static-fire test of a SpaceX Starship vehicle ahead of its next launch. (credit: SpaceX)

A bold frontier: Advancing America’s space leadership and economic power

by Karlton D. Johnson
Monday, February 17, 2025

As a new administration takes the helm, the United States faces a critical opportunity to reassert its leadership in space exploration. The National Space Society (NSS) calls on President Trump and his team to craft a bold strategy that prioritizes American strength and innovation, counters rising global competition, and ensures that space becomes a driver of economic prosperity.

Space is more than a realm for exploration; it is a theater of geopolitical competition and economic expansion. Nations like China are advancing aggressively, not just to explore but to dominate. America cannot afford to yield its hard-earned leadership in space. A balanced, forward-looking strategy is critical to securing our interests, maintaining global influence, and creating the foundation for the next wave of American economic growth.

Uniting innovation and security

For decades, NASA has been a global beacon of inspiration and scientific achievement, but space leadership requires a broader vision. In addition to supporting NASA’s evolution, a robust space strategy must include contributions from the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and private enterprise. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies, safeguard critical assets, and ensure that America remains ahead of competitors.

China’s rapid militarization of space, including its ambitions to control cislunar space and dominate key resources on the Moon, poses a direct challenge to US security and economic interests. Countering this threat requires decisive action that includes modernizing satellite networks, expanding space-based defense capabilities, and ensuring a continuous American presence in low Earth orbit (LEO).

The Artemis program must also evolve to integrate the Moon into a sustainable cislunar economy. By advancing in-situ resource utilization technologies and creating opportunities for private-sector investment, Artemis can secure America’s foothold in this critical region. Leveraging proven commercial platforms like SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn will reduce costs and accelerate progress.

Space as an economic engine

Space is not just a frontier; it is a marketplace. By reducing regulatory barriers and incentivizing investment, space exploration can catalyze the next generation of American industry, inspiring youth, creating thousands of high-paying jobs, and spurring technological innovation. From satellite communications to lunar mining and beyond, space will define the global economy of the 21st century, just as the Space Race did in the 20th, when the Apollo program returned at least 16 dollars for every dollar invested.

Additionally, we must embrace an evolutionary approach to space health and safety. As more Americans—and one day, people from all walks of life—venture into space, advancing medical research and health protocols is critical. Space health not only ensures the safety of explorers but also drives breakthroughs in medicine that can benefit people on Earth. This investment in human resilience reinforces American leadership and sets global standards for safety and well-being in space.

A call for visionary leadership

The National Space Society has a long and proud history of working with both political parties to expand America’s reach into the final frontier. As a trusted advocate for advancing space exploration, the NSS bridges government, industry, and academia to build consensus and deliver results. With decades of expertise and a network of thought leaders, the NSS stands ready to help the new administration craft a space policy that strengthens America’s global leadership while ensuring economic prosperity and security.

President Trump has the opportunity to transform space policy into a cornerstone of American greatness. By fostering innovation, strengthening security, and prioritizing economic growth, the administration can deliver results that resonate far beyond our borders. With the right leadership, space will serve as a platform for American ingenuity, a shield against global threats, and a driver of prosperity.

The NSS stands ready to support this mission. Together, we can secure a future where space exploration enhances American strength, inspires the world, and enriches lives everywhere.

It’s time for America to boldly lead in this new frontier.

Karlton D. Johnson is chief executive officer and chairman of the board of governors of the National Space Society.

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