Explore NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance, from Artemis II progress and SPHEREx launch to Mars exploration tech and global partnerships.
NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance mark a decisive new era in American space policy. With renewed direction, bold objectives, and quick action, the Trump-Vance administration has redefined how the United States approaches space exploration, lunar missions, and international cooperation in orbit and beyond.
A New Vision for the Moon: Artemis II Moves Ahead
A major focus during NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance has been accelerating the Artemis II mission. Engineers have successfully stacked the two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), and the 212-foot core stage has been inserted, completing the central part of the rocket. This powerful launch system will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since Apollo.
Artemis II is scheduled to fly as early as 2025 and represents a critical milestone in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Trump and Vance have repeatedly emphasized space as a matter of national pride and strategic importance, making the Moon a key stepping stone toward deeper space goals.
Scientific Breakthrough: SPHEREx Telescope Launch
Another major accomplishment in NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance is the successful launch of the SPHEREx space telescope. This advanced observatory will map the entire sky in infrared light, helping scientists learn how the universe evolved and where key elements like water and carbon exist in space.
SPHEREx will survey over 450 million galaxies and investigate the formation of planetary systems. It is a core piece of the administration’s push for space-based science and U.S. leadership in astrophysics.
Mars Mission Tech: Propulsion and Landing Advances
Preparing for future crewed Mars missions has also been a highlight of NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance. Engineers conducted hot-fire tests on next-generation Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) thrusters, which are more efficient than traditional rocket engines.
NASA also completed the fourth in a series of Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) system tests, refining how future missions will land safely on the Martian surface. These improvements directly support the Trump-Vance space policy to send Americans to Mars in the 2030s.
Strengthening International Ties: Artemis Accords Expand
Global cooperation is central to NASA’s strategy, and the Artemis Accords—an international agreement on peaceful space exploration—have seen strong support during NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance. Finland and Bangladesh became the 53rd and 54th signatories, underscoring broad global buy-in.
By advancing the Accords, the Trump-Vance administration signals its intent to lead not just in technology, but in diplomacy and responsible space behavior.
Sustained Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit
The Trump-Vance administration continues to support the International Space Station, which remains a vital platform for long-duration human spaceflight and science. During the first 100 days, Crew-9 astronauts returned after six months, and Crew-10 has now taken over operations.
Plans to extend U.S. presence on the ISS until 2030 remain in place, with new private-sector involvement expected to expand low Earth orbit activities.
Top 5 Milestones from NASA’s First 100 Days Under Trump-Vance
- Artemis II Hardware Integration: Solid Rocket Boosters and the core stage stacked for upcoming Moon mission.
- SPHEREx Launched Successfully: Telescope begins mapping the entire sky in infrared.
- Mars Tech Progress: SEP thrusters tested and EDL landing systems advanced.
- Global Support Grows: Two more countries join the Artemis Accords for peaceful space cooperation.
- ISS Continues Operations: Human spaceflight maintained with returning and arriving crews.
A Focused Start for U.S. Space Leadership
NASA’s first 100 days under Trump-Vance have been productive and future-focused. Whether it’s preparing to send astronauts around the Moon, launching cutting-edge science missions, or strengthening ties with international space partners, the direction is clear: the United States aims to lead boldly in space.
This new administration has backed NASA with clear policy goals, strong political will, and an understanding that space exploration is both an investment in science and a projection of American strength. With Artemis, Mars planning, and SPHEREx already under way, the path forward is ambitious—and the journey has only just begun.
