U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday the establishment of the "American Space Academy," a strategic move aimed at enhancing the nation’s capabilities in space exploration and launching its programs into a new phase beyond returning to the moon.
Trump revealed this initiative during a ceremony at NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas, stressing that the United States still has much to achieve in space exploration.
He highlighted the significance of the "U.S. Space Force," established during his first term in 2019, describing it as a pivotal step to boost the country's capabilities in this domain.
The president asserted that reaching the moon is an important goal within the U.S. space program but "not enough," announcing his intention to sign an order to establish the "American Space Academy."
He explained that the new academy aims to elevate U.S. space activities to a "higher level," as Washington seeks to enhance its scientific, technical, and human capabilities necessary for more ambitious missions in space.
Honoring the "Artemis 2" Crew
Following the ceremony, Trump honored the four astronauts who participated in the "Artemis 2" mission to the moon, referring to the journey as a "historic event for humanity."
Launched on April 1st, the "Artemis 2" mission lasted 10 days, during which the crew traveled approximately 1,118,000 kilometers on a journey around the Earth and moon.
The mission marked the first crewed voyage towards the moon in nearly half a century, serving as a key step in the U.S. Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface and preparing for future, farther-reaching space missions.
During the mission, astronauts conducted tests of the spacecraft systems to ensure their ability to support manned missions, captured images of lunar areas, and collected data to assist in evaluating potential landing sites for future missions.
The announcement of the new academy comes as the United States intensifies its investments and programs related to space, amid an increasing international race to explore the moon and develop the capabilities necessary for manned journeys to farther destinations.