SpaceX's Elon Musk endorses Donald Trump as presidential candidate – what this might mean for US space policy

Elon Musk officially supported Donald Trump President of the United States on July 13, 2024, shortly after Trump survived an assassination attempt. Musk, a billionaire technology entrepreneur, has made groundbreaking contributions in several industriesespecially space travel and exploration.

Even before Musk’s support, Trump was reportedly considering giving the billionaire an advisory function if he’s elected for a second term. With Musk’s public support and financial supportIt now seems much more likely that Trump would offer him an official position in his government.

As someone who studies Space and diplomacyI'm considering how Musk might influence U.S. space policy if Trump wins in November. Their partnership could significantly shape the longer term of U.S. space exploration and defense, and shift the balance of power between the private and non-private sectors in space.

Current US space policy

A rustic’s space policy reflects its vision and priorities for space. U.S. space policy—a combination of continuity from previous administrations and current policies—is ready out in key documents, including the US National Space PolicyThe Framework for US space priorities, Space policy guidelines and other official publications.

Current space policy emphasizes maintaining U.S. leadership in space, protecting U.S. space assets, and dealing with industrial and international partners to advertise protected and responsible conduct in space. The most significant elements include Expansion of the American industrial space sector and return of astronauts to the moon.

Musk's company SpaceX was contribute significantly to the achievement of those goalssupports each NASA and the US Space Force – the latest branch of the US military – on their missions. SpaceX’s innovations, equivalent to the reusable Falcon 9 Rockets that Starlink Satellite Internet and the powerful Spaceshiphave dramatically modified Access to and use of space.

The Trump administration from 2016 to 2020 has most of the current goals of U.S. space policy, a few of which align closely with Musk's own space ambitions.

Space synergies: Trump and Musk's shared ambitions

Trump and Musk agree on three principal goals in space.

First, each are committed to human expansion beyond Earth. Space Policy Directive 1signed on December 11, 2017, put the United States heading in the right direction to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a everlasting presence there, followed by manned missions to Mars and beyond.

This policy is in keeping with Musk’s vision of Colonization of Marswhich is leading the event of Starship: probably the most powerful and large spacecraft ever built. Designed to be fully reusableStarship will carry large payloads and be able to traveling into deep space – including moon landings and trips to the red planet.

NASA Artemis Programwhich emerged from Trump's Space Directive 1, plans to return humans to the moon until 2026To achieve this goal, NASA Partnership with SpaceX in 2021 to develop the Starship Human Landing System spacecraft, which is able to transport astronauts and cargo from lunar orbit to the lunar surface and back.

Second, each Trump and Musk support industrial involvement in space. Trump's Space Policy Directive 1 explicitly calls for industrial and international partnerships, marking a Change from the previous governmentPresident Joe Biden has continued this push to develop a sturdy U.S. industrial space sector.

This recognition of the central role that non-public corporations can play in space exploration is consistent with Musk's track record as an entrepreneur and innovator. Under Musk, SpaceX has not only has provided essential services to NASAhowever it has also pushed innovation to a brand new level. The company has reduced the fee of Space projects and made the space more accessible for a wider audience by space researchers.

Third, each support deregulation. Trump's administration tried to cut back regulatory hurdles through policies like his Space Policy Directive 2whose goal was to simplify industrial space regulations to encourage faster growth and more innovation within the private space industry.

Nevertheless, Musk has often stated that existing Space regulations too restrictive. He has often US regulators challenged – equivalent to the Federal Aviation Administration which oversees launch and re-entry requirements – and called for “comprehensive deregulation.”

Contrasting visions of space: Musk vs. Trump

When it involves space priorities, Musk differs from Trump in three key ways.

First, Musk focuses on the long-term goal humanity to a multiplanetary speciesstarting with Colonization of Mars and to ascertain a self-sufficient human presence there.

In contrast, Trump's approach to space emphasized asserting U.S. leadership by achieving near-Earth and near-term milestones, equivalent to returning Americans to the Moon. Consequently, during his presidency, Trump prioritized the Artemis program and launched the Space Force to secure the US's capabilities in space.

Second, while each value the private sector, Musk has pushed through SpaceX for Cost reduction, innovation and rapid iteration in space technology. SpaceX’s Falcon rockets have re-flown about 300 timeswhich significantly reduces the fee of space travel. SpaceX also achieved essential milestones in industrial space travel, including the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station.

In order to finance the Artemis program, Trump demanded a big increase in NASA's budget. This move emphasized investment in government-led programs to realize space goals.

Third, Musk seems more open to Disclosure of patented informationeven together with his competitors. He famously said: “Patents are for the weak”, on the grounds that they block innovation and hinder progressWhile Musk patented further Inventions, including those related to SpaceXHe also expressed his support for promoting innovation through openness and collaboration.

In contrast, Trump's space policy focused on national security and strategic competition. The creation of the Space Force reflected Trump's view that space is a contested military domain by which the United States must protect its assets and maintain a competitive advantage.

Musk's likely influence on future US space policy

Should Musk tackle a bigger, official role in a second Trump administration, he would likely push for ambitious space missions and timelines. The initial focus would remain on the Artemis program and lunar settlements, with attention eventually shifting to manned missions to Mars and beyond.

A partnership between Trump and Musk would likely further advance the commercialization of space. Musk could push for greater deregulation of space activities, potentially difficult existing safety standards. While Musk can also be more likely to push for cost reduction and innovation, and efficiencyIt can be interesting to see how his efforts would fare against the federal government bureaucracy.

Whether Musk would influence U.S. space policy toward international competitors equivalent to China stays uncertain, but Musk's presence in a second Trump administration could make clear whether industrial space players will help Reducing tensions between countries in space.

Musk is just not a politician. He is a visionary and problem-solver focused on the longer term of humanity. These qualities will likely shape his influence on U.S. space policy.