President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Ensuring American Space Superiority” on December 18, directing U.S. efforts to dominate space for security, economic, and exploratory purposes.

The order calls for returning astronauts to the moon by 2028 and constructing a permanent lunar base by 2030, including deploying nuclear reactors in orbit and on the moon.

It also emphasizes strengthening U.S. space defense, with next-generation missile defense technologies (dubbed the “Golden Dome”) expected by 2028, while boosting the commercial space economy with at least $50 billion in additional investment.

The directive requires NASA and private sector leaders, including Jared Isaacman, to submit implementation plans within 90 days and assess underperforming acquisition programs, Space.com has reported.

Additionally, the order revokes Biden’s 2021 Executive Order 14056, potentially ending the National Space Council, which guides U.S. space policy.