Resources for Long-Term Human Space Exploration: NASA Policies, Books, Reports, Programs, Videos, and More

“America Returns to Space: President Trump Signs Directive for Long-Term Human Space Exploration”

In a historic moment at the White House, President Donald J. Trump signed the Space Policy Directive 1 on December 11, 2017, marking a significant step towards returning American astronauts to the moon and initiating long-term human space exploration. The ceremony, attended by representatives of the commercial space sector, NASA officials, astronauts, and administration members, coincided with the 45th anniversary of the last human footprint on the moon in 1972.

The directive aims to address the unique challenges of colonizing the moon and other worlds beyond Earth’s protective sphere. From cosmic radiation to space adaptation syndrome, astronauts face a myriad of physical and psychological obstacles in space exploration. However, the desire to explore the unknown and extend human presence deeper into the solar system remains at the core of human space exploration.

As pioneers once braved the seas to discover new lands, space pioneers are now poised to sail the cosmos in search of other worlds in our universe. NASA is leading the charge in charting the course for long-term human space exploration, with resources available to address the challenges and risks associated with venturing deeper into space.

With the signing of the Space Policy Directive 1, America is once again heading back to space, driven by the spirit of exploration and the quest to understand more about our planet, our solar system, our universe, and ourselves. As we set our sights on the stars, we are reminded of President George W. Bush’s words: “Mankind is drawn to the heavens for the same reason we were once drawn into unknown lands and across the open sea. We choose to explore space because doing so improves our lives, and lifts our national spirit.”