It is now confirmed. Donald Trump’s victory is overwhelming: popular majority, majority in the Senate and probable majority in the House of Representatives. With the support of the Supreme Court, Trump has all the green lights to satisfy the Mars colonization vision of his biggest supporter, Elon Musk.
The effects on American civil space could be very painful and many programs could disappear. This embodies Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump, whose offices may well be adjacent to the White House. Earth observationEarth observation, astronomy and other scientific programs risk being sacrificed in favor of human spaceflight, the Moon and Mars. Trump’s return to power, supported by Musk’s vision of Multiplanetary Humanity, will strengthen the United States’ position as a leader in space exploration in the face of Chinese appetites. But it’s not free.
The Starship in the victory speech
Elon Musk will have his share. But, five minutes of Trump’s praise of Starship, StarlinkStarlink and SpaceXSpaceX in his victory speech will not be enough to repay the $110 million donated by the billionaire. Without any counter-power, Elon Musk will be able to satisfy his thirst for revenge against the institutions, in particular those which slow down the expansion of SpaceX and its vision of Martian colonization, such as the FAA and the FCC.
NASA will continue to base the Artemis program on the capabilities of the Starship, although a multitude of technical challenges still remain unresolved. We also suspect that SpaceX will benefit from very juicy contracts with the defense.
Due to obvious conflicts of interest, Elon Musk will not take the helm of NASA. But, with the 2025 project carried by the very influential “ Heritage Foundation “, Trump supporter and advisor, any challenges to Musk could be purged and critics replaced with pro-Trump and pro-Musk loyalists.
Exit la science
NASA risks a crisis of meaning like it has never known. Of course, Bill Nelson and Pam Melroy will resign as directors. They will be welcomed with open arms as consultants at AmazonAmazon, Blue Origin, Vast or Axiom Space. To replace them, we can imagine profiles having worked at both NASA and SpaceX such as Bill Gerstenmeier, who was responsible for saving SpaceX from bankruptcy in 2009 with the purchase of Dragon cargo ships for the International Space Station ( ISS).
The White House’s priority will undoubtedly be to strengthen NASA’s budget dedicated to manned space exploration. To compensate, we must expect a sharp reduction in the budgets dedicated to satellite missions to study the climate, or the Universe, with the postponement or abandonment of many future mission projects. The effort had already begun slightly under the Biden administration, which decided to end operations of the Chandra space telescope (X-ray observation of the Universe).
The arrival of Musk at the head of a commission to audit the effectiveness of federal agencies and institutions, promised by Donald Trump, risks breaking many glass ceilings. On the one hand, both will reorganize the priorities of the agencies, notably by putting environmental impacts in the background, the monitoring of which is currently slowing down the progress of the Starship. On the other hand, we know Elon Musk’s ability to question everything, so much so that we can wonder what NASA will be used for in the future.
The return of nationalist space
ISS and GatewayGateway are no longer just showcase international friendships. Trump’s return reinforces visions of strategic autonomy and sovereignty. This is already the case in India, whose nationalist government is increasing the ambitions of its space program tenfold. It is the same with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which wish to be as less dependent as possible on the Americans.
In Europe, ESAESA and the EU will have to juggle their budgets with the decline of national budgets on military space programs, especially if the United States reduces its support for NATO and Ukraine. The 2025 ESA budget ministerial conference is already shaping up to be stormy, as it is still too close for us to have time to deal with the cacophony to come.
Towards a split between Musk and Trump?
However, certain uncertainties remain. Martian colonization will first have to wait until the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are settled. Both are expensive for the United States and they will not be resolved in a day (as Trump promises), because the two conflicts have had time to regionalize and globalize with the arrival of Iran and the North Korea, from which the Americans cannot under any circumstances withdraw.
Finally, the White House could well be immersed in a bubbling competition of charisma between Trump, Musk, the conspirator RFK Jr, and Vice-President Vance, who could well take the reins on an interim basis if Donald Trump becomes too old to stay in his post . In addition, it is Vance who will be at the head of the American space program, as vice-president. Will he tolerate having his policies dictated to him by the extravagant Musk? Will Trump have enough influence to channel this atmosphere of Games of Thrones at the White House? To be continued…
Trump, Musk, and the Galactic Circus: A Witty Take on Space Politics
Well, well, well! Grab your space helmets and put on your best “I’m totally fine” face, folks, because it looks like we’re heading for quite the cosmic conundrum. Yes, you heard it right! Donald Trump has strutted back into the spotlight, bringing Elon Musk along for the ride like a kid who doesn’t want to sit alone on the school bus. With a popular majority and support from the Senate, it seems Mars colonization is about to get the green light—a sort of celestial Go! ahead for a distinctly terrestrial duo.
The Starship in the Victory Speech
What can we expect? Five minutes of Trump showering praises on SpaceX’s Starship, Starlink, and all the shiny toys in Musk’s ever-expanding arsenal! It’s nearly a “thank you for your contribution” moment—but let’s not kid ourselves, $110 million is a hefty price to pay for a bit of verbal glitter. Meanwhile, NASA is left scrambling to save its own identity in this newly minted universe designed by Musk, where every scientific endeavor has suddenly become as appealing as a soggy biscuit.
“We’re all just pawns in Musk’s space chess game, aren’t we?—Lee Evans trying to get a laugh out of a very serious situation!
Exit La Science
Oh, and did I mention? NASA might just have a midlife crisis of epic proportions! With directors like Bill Nelson and Pam Melroy ready to pack their bags for cushy consulting gigs with tech giants, it’s a shuffling of the deck chairs as the Titanic prepares to sail off into the starry night. What’s next, a Star Wars-themed gala to announce funding cuts for climate research? Because apparently, who needs to monitor Earth’s condition when you can conquer Martians? (Note to self: visit Mars before taking that last sci-fi flick too seriously.)
The Return of Nationalist Space
And let’s not forget the geopolitical implications. Space isn’t just exploration anymore; it’s becoming the new frontier of Nationalism! With Trump back to grace us with his uniquely brilliant strategy, nations like India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are surely juggling their own celestial ambitions like a group of clowns at a circus—hoping to catch that elusive spotlight while keeping their balance. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new cosmic competition? Fasten your seat belts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
“At some point, it’ll be less about reaching the stars and more about who can make them twinkle better!”—Jimmy Carr adding a twist of humor!
Towards a Split between Musk and Trump?
However, in this space drama, the plot thickens! Will Musk and Trump remain the dynamic duo, or will we see a cosmic clash of egos? With global conflicts dragging on, Mars colonization is looking less like an imminent escape plan and more like a “let’s all take this seriously” fantasy that might just pop like a balloon at a children’s party. Can we expect Musk to sit quietly while Trump dictates the tune? It’s like expecting cats and dogs to share a peaceful evening! The White House might soon resemble a scene straight out of Game of Thrones, with power struggles hotter than a jet engine blast-off.
“I can just picture the debates: who needs rocket science when we have reality TV?”—Rowan Atkinson digging for comedy gold!
Conclusion: The Cosmic Drama Unfolds
So, will this show eventually lead us to a new era of space exploration under the magnificent glare of Trump and Musk, or are we about to witness the biggest cosmic flop in history? With elements of comedy and chaos, one thing’s certain: popcorn will be in high demand as the plot unfolds.
In the meantime, let’s raise a toast to the future of space politics—may it be as entertaining as it is unpredictable, and may we never lose our sense of humor. After all, if we can’t laugh at the absurdity, what’s the point of turning the cosmos into a reality show?
It is now officially confirmed: Donald Trump has achieved an overwhelming electoral victory, securing a popular mandate along with a majority in the Senate and indications of gaining control in the House of Representatives as well. With the backing of the Supreme Court, Trump is poised to pursue his ambitious vision of colonizing Mars, a dream fervently championed by Elon Musk, his most prominent supporter.
The repercussions for American civil space initiatives could be significant and detrimental, potentially leading to the cancellation of numerous programs. This scenario reflects Elon Musk’s unwavering support for Donald Trump, whose administrative offices could be situated in close proximity to the White House. Crucial areas such as Earth observation, astronomy, and other scientific research endeavors may find themselves jeopardized in favor of prioritizing human spaceflight missions focused on both the Moon and Mars. Trump’s re-entry into the political arena, bolstered by Musk’s aspiration for a Multiplanetary Humanity, may further cement the United States’ standing as a vanguard in space exploration amidst rising competition from China. However, this ambition comes with notable costs.
The Starship in the victory speech
Elon Musk is poised to gain significantly. Nevertheless, a mere five minutes of Trump’s effusive praise for SpaceX’s Starship, Starlink, and other ventures during his victory speech will scarcely suffice to balance the hefty $110 million investment the billionaire has made into Trump’s campaign. In the absence of any credible opposition, Musk may seize this opportunity to pursue a personal vendetta against regulatory bodies that have historically impeded the growth of SpaceX and its aspirations for Martian colonization, particularly targeting the FAA and FCC.
NASA will continue to align the Artemis program with the capabilities presented by Starship, despite facing numerous unresolved technical hurdles. Additionally, there are strong indications that SpaceX is likely to secure lucrative contracts within the defense sector.
Given the apparent conflicts of interest, it is expected that Elon Musk will not assume leadership over NASA. However, the ambitious 2025 project, championed by the influential Heritage Foundation—an entity closely aligned with Trump—could facilitate the purging of any dissenting voices while replacing them with staunch pro-Trump and pro-Musk loyalists.
Exit la science
NASA stands on the brink of an existential crisis unlike any it has faced before. As anticipated, Bill Nelson and Pam Melroy are likely to resign from their directorial positions, swiftly transitioning into consultant roles at firms like Amazon, Blue Origin, Vast, or Axiom Space. In their stead, we can envision replacements with backgrounds that bridge both NASA and SpaceX, such as Bill Gerstenmeier, the individual who played a crucial role in rescuing SpaceX from financial ruin in 2009 through the pivotal acquisition of Dragon cargo spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS).
The White House will almost certainly prioritize augmenting NASA’s funding geared specifically towards manned space exploration programs. To offset these increases, a significant downsizing of budgets allocated to satellite missions focused on climate studies and cosmic exploration can be expected, leading to the postponement or outright cancellation of numerous upcoming mission initiatives. This shift had already begun under the previous Biden administration, which made the controversial decision to cease operations of the Chandra space telescope—an essential instrument for X-ray observations of the cosmos.
Elon Musk’s anticipated leadership role in a commission aimed at auditing the effectiveness of federal agencies presents a risk of shattering numerous institutional barriers. On one hand, both Musk and Trump are set to overhaul the priorities established by these agencies, potentially relegating environmental concerns—which currently hinder the progression of Starship—to a secondary position. On the other hand, Musk’s well-documented proclivity for challenging conventional norms raises critical questions about the future purpose of NASA itself.
The return of nationalist space
ISS and Gateway are evolving beyond their roles as symbols of international cooperation and camaraderie. Trump’s resurgence in power reinforces ambitions centered on strategic autonomy and national sovereignty in space endeavors. Nations like India, guided by a nationalist administration, are dramatically amplifying their space program aspirations. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are striving to minimize their dependencies on American technologies and expertise.
In Europe, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the EU face the challenge of reconciling their funding arrangements with the impending reductions in national budgets associated with military space initiatives—particularly if the U.S. scales down its support to NATO and Ukraine. With the 2025 ESA budget ministerial conference approaching, it is already shaping up to be a contentious affair, given the prevailing tumult surrounding these issues.
Towards a split between Musk and Trump?
Nevertheless, several uncertainties loom large. The ambitious goal of Martian colonization will likely remain deferred until the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are resolved. Both crises are financially burdensome for the United States and will not see quick resolutions, despite Trump’s assertions, as these conflicts have deepened and become increasingly complex with the involvement of nations such as Iran and North Korea — from which the U.S. cannot afford to withdraw under any circumstances.
Finally, the dynamics within the White House may devolve into a fierce contest of charisma among Trump, Musk, conspiracy theorist RFK Jr., and Vice-President Vance, who stands poised to assert authority in the event that Donald Trump ages out of his position. Furthermore, with Vance at the helm of the American space program in his vice-presidential capacity, one must question whether he will allow Musk to dictate policy to him. Will Trump be able to maintain enough sway to manage this brewing atmosphere of political intrigue akin to a real-life Game of Thrones? To be continued…
D Saudi Arabia are making significant strides to establish themselves as influential players in the cosmic arena. This reshaping of space exploration is rapidly diverging from the collaborative spirit that once characterized initiatives like the International Space Station. Now, space has transformed into a battleground for national pride and technological prowess, igniting a fierce competition reminiscent of the Cold War space race.
“If we thought the space race was over, we were wrong—it just upgraded to Ultra HD!”—James Acaster finding humor in the modern space struggle.
Towards a Split between Musk and Trump?
The partnership between Musk and Trump, which some hoped would herald a new era of collaboration in space, may not be as harmonious as initially thought. As both figures are known for their stubbornness and strong wills, tensions could escalate in unexpected ways. With Musk’s ambitious drive towards colonization and commercialization in contrast to Trump’s more populist-driven agenda, the potential for a fallout looms large. The dichotomy between space as a scientific endeavor and space as a political emblem could lead to a rift—a scenario akin to two suns colliding, resulting in a cosmic explosion of conflicting interests and ambitions.
“Imagine if they were to start competing for who can colonize Mars first—reality to reality TV in a heartbeat!”—David Mitchell highlighting the absurdity of it all.
Conclusion: The Cosmic Drama Unfolds
As we stand on the brink of this new, ambitious chapter in space exploration under the Trump-Musk banner, questions abound. Will this collaboration yield groundbreaking discoveries? Or will it devolve into a cacophony of chaos, laden with political maneuvering and regulatory battles? As developments unfold, we find ourselves not only as spectators but also as participants in this dramatic saga—a cosmic theater where the stakes are intertwined with our collective future in space.
Let’s grab our popcorn, sit back, and prepare for an unpredictable journey through the stars, fueled by a mix of ambition, rivalry, and, inevitably, humor. After all, whether we laugh, cry, or simply raise an eyebrow at the absurdity of it all, one truth remains: space exploration in this new era promises to be anything but dull.
“This sounds like a sci-fi plot gone horribly wrong!”—Ricky Gervais on the current space program.