Overview
- The order mandates development of nuclear power in space, including a lunar surface reactor ready for launch by 2030 and reactors in orbit.
- It directs a shift to commercial stations to replace the International Space Station by 2030 and seeks at least $50 billion in additional private investment by 2028.
- The White House rescinded the prior National Space Council operations order and revised Space Policy Directive-3 to permit Commerce to charge user fees for space-traffic services.
- Defense provisions call for a space security strategy and prototype next‑generation missile defense systems by 2028, with greater integration of commercial capabilities.
- Policy emphasis moves from near‑term Mars ambitions to a lunar-first approach, with agencies ordered to implement acquisition reforms, flag major schedule or cost overruns, and review international agreements within tight timelines.