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WASHINGTON — In a policy turnaround, the White House intends to preserve the National Space Council. Industry executives suggest this entity could champion space exploration and development amid mounting pressures for budgetary reductions, making it a key advocate for space policy.
National Space Council to Continue Under New Administration
The White House is anticipated to formally declare the continuation of the National Space Council in the coming weeks, dispelling earlier uncertainty regarding its status under the new administration. This decision was initially reported by Politico.
Details of the Decision
According to an insider familiar with council discussions who requested anonymity, President Trump greenlit the council’s reinstatement during a meeting on May 5. While the meeting did not establish a definitive timeline for a public announcement or the appointment of an executive secretary to oversee daily operations, the selection process for this role has reportedly been underway for several weeks.
Historical Context of the Space Council
The council remained dormant for almost twenty-five years before its revival by Trump in 2017. Under the leadership of then-Vice President Mike Pence, it functioned as an interagency coordination body, conducting public sessions, and formulating policies addressing a diverse array of space exploration matters.
During the Biden administration, Vice President Kamala Harris headed the council, though it maintained a less visible presence with fewer public engagements and policy initiatives. Despite this, it facilitated policy alignment among various agencies and proposed a framework for “mission authorization” concerning innovative, unlicensed space activities. However, Congress did not act upon the proposed legislation.
Initial Hesitations and the Shift in Stance
Initially, reports indicated a lack of interest from the new administration in upholding the council, evidenced by the absence of new staffing announcements or related activities. Speculation suggested that Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and a presidential advisor, opposed the council, deeming it superfluous. Furthermore, Vice President JD Vance, slated to chair the council, has expressed limited commentary on space initiatives.
The impetus behind this reversal remains unclear, although Musk has publicly signaled a decreased involvement in governmental affairs. Some within the space industry perceive this shift as an opportunity to bolster advocacy for space endeavors within the administration, especially considering the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which entails a nearly 25% reduction in NASA’s funding.
Potential Impact on Budgetary Decisions
One industry representative pointed out that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) formulated the budget proposal without the counterbalance of a functioning space policy council, leading to an emphasis on expenditure cuts. They posited that the presence of the council could yield a different outcome, referencing the increased NASA budgets during Trump’s initial term.
“Once the space council is in place, OMB will participate in discussions, but it won’t dominate the decision-making process,” the source stated.