Trump Revives National Space Council

US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order on Friday to revive the National Space Council.

President George H.W. Bush established the National Space Council in 1989. The Council was tasked with advising and assisting the President regarding national space policy and strategy. The Council ceased operation in 1993. This Executive Order revives the Council and will reinvigorate America’s role as a leader in space, strengthen America’s economy, and advance the security of the American people, according to the White House.

Vice President Mike Pence as the Chairman of the National Space Council will play an indispensable role in crafting America’s space policy, the White House said.

The Vice President said that he was honored and enthusiastic to act as Chairman of the Council. He stated that the Administration’s commitment to space exploration will “strengthen the American spirit” and inspire the American people to “blaze new trails into the unknown”.

NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot noted that “the council has guided NASA from our earliest days and can help us achieve the many ambitious milestones we are striving for today.”

“The establishment of the council is another demonstration of the Trump Administration’s deep interest in our work, and a testament to the importance of space exploration to our economy, our nation, and the planet as a whole,” Lightfoot said.