US Space Policy Directive Targets 1,000 Annual Commercial Rocket Launches by 2030

President Donald Trump signs memo targeting 1,000 annual US rocket launches by 2030. The plan targets a more than fivefold increase from the 178 US rocket launches recorded in 2025. The updated National Space Transportation Policy directs federal agencies to identify public land for launch sites and expedite environmental reviews. The directive calls on NASA to utilize commercial partners for robotic and crewed Mars missions while targeting a lunar landing by 2028. Federal agencies are instructed to refrain from space activities that compete with or discourage private launch operators. "The new policy meets this moment of explosive growth and positions America to lead the next era of space." — Michael Kratsios FAA permitting bottlenecks and range capacity will force agencies to gut environmental oversight just to hit a fraction of this launch frequency.