WASHINGTON, D.C.: Trump signs executive order on space launches to boost the number of U.S. commercial rocket missions by easing regulations, including environmental reviews — a move expected to benefit SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Environmental advocates, however, have condemned the change as “reckless.”
The executive order aims to “substantially” increase U.S. space launch frequency by 2030. President Donald Trump said the policy will strengthen America’s competitive edge in the global space race.
“It is the policy of the United States to enhance American greatness in space by enabling a competitive launch marketplace,” the order declares.
The policy directs Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who also serves as NASA’s administrator, to remove or expedite environmental review requirements for rocket launches. Supporters say the change will cut red tape, while critics warn it could weaken safeguards for wildlife and communities near launch sites.
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Boost for Musk’s SpaceX Operations
The deregulation could be a major win for SpaceX, which already dominates the global launch market. Last year, its fleet of rockets lifted off more than 130 times. With the new rules, analysts expect that number to rise further.
SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket — the largest and most powerful ever built — is central to Musk’s ambitions to send humans to the Moon and Mars. NASA’s planned missions to both destinations are expected to rely on Starship.
However, Starship has faced repeated setbacks. In June, a test ended in a fiery explosion, underscoring the risks of Musk’s “fail fast, learn fast” engineering approach.
Ties Between Trump and Musk
Musk was once a close adviser to Trump but the two had a public falling out in July. Despite the rift, Trump’s order aligns with Musk’s long-standing push to deregulate the space industry.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly championed U.S. space exploration, from lunar landings to crewed missions to Mars.
Environmental Concerns Spark Backlash
Environmental groups reacted strongly against the order. The U.S.-based nonprofit Centre for Biological Diversity accused Trump of prioritizing corporate interests over environmental protection.
“This reckless order puts people and wildlife at risk from private companies launching giant rockets that often explode and wreak devastation on surrounding areas,” said Jared Margolis, an attorney with the group.
SpaceX’s Starship launches from sites that environmentalists say threaten protected species and fragile coastal habitats. Critics warn that removing federal review processes could make it harder to mitigate damage.
Regulatory Context and FAA Approval
Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved a fivefold increase in the annual number of Starship launches, from five to 25. The FAA said the increase would not harm the environment, though advocacy groups dispute that conclusion.
The executive order accelerates the pace of launches by reducing environmental oversight at the Department of Transportation, which plays a key role in approving commercial space operations.
Industry Impact and International Competition
The United States faces growing competition from China, Russia, and private space companies worldwide. By cutting launch delays, Trump hopes to ensure the U.S. retains its dominant market share.
Supporters argue the new policy will attract more private investment and help the U.S. lead the next generation of space exploration. Critics counter that short-term economic gains could come at the cost of environmental degradation.
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The Road Ahead for Starship
Musk’s long-term goal — building a permanent human settlement on Mars — depends on Starship’s success. SpaceX continues to test and refine the vehicle, betting that frequent launches will accelerate development and lower costs.
Despite recent explosions, Musk insists Starship will soon be ready for operational missions. SpaceX plans to launch more test flights in the coming months, aiming to prove the rocket’s reliability for crewed missions.
A Balancing Act Between Progress and Protection
The executive order highlights the ongoing tension between rapid technological advancement and environmental stewardship. While Trump’s policy could usher in a new era of frequent and cost-effective space travel, it also raises questions about how much oversight is too much — or too little — for an industry with the potential to reshape humanity’s future.
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