Reinvigorating America's Human Space Exploration Program

This Space Policy Directive–1 amends the 2010 National Space Policy to shift NASA's human space exploration goals from a flexible 'far-reaching milestones' framework to a specific sequence: return humans to the Moon for long-term exploration, then Mars and other destinations, emphasizing commercial and international partnerships. It represents a structural redirection of U.S. space policy toward the Artemis program's foundational architecture.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 59501

Impact dates

Dec 13, 2017
Federal Register publication

Key directives

Amend Presidential Policy Directive–4 to replace exploration milestones paragraph with Moon-first, then Mars sequence
Direct implementation consistent with applicable law and subject to appropriations availability
Require Federal Register publication

Timeline

Immediate

Amendment to Presidential Policy Directive–4 takes effect upon issuance

Near term (90d)

Federal Register publication required

Long term

Moon return missions
Mars human missions
solar system expansion program development

Risks & tensions

Subject to appropriations availability—funding not guaranteed
No specific deadlines for Moon/Mars missions creates implementation uncertainty
Shift from Obama-era flexible framework to Trump-era specific destination sequence
Commercial partnership requirements may strain NASA-traditional contractor relationships