Staff Reports
In a White House meeting, Vice President Kamala Harris declared that the United States is preparing to land an international astronaut on the moon by the end of the decade. This bold pledge is part of the Artemis program, a monumental effort to revitalize the U.S. space exploration. Harris emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting the collaboration with allies and partners. She specifically noted the contributions of the European Space Agency, Europe, Japan, and Canada to the Artemis space program.
The Vice President’s announcement underscores the American commitment to pioneering space exploration, with plans to establish the first lunar base camp and a station in lunar orbit. Emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, Harris proudly proclaimed the intent to have an international astronaut join American astronauts on the lunar surface.
Kamala Harris vows to put an international astronaut on the moon – https://t.co/JY3Zib2oyF
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 20, 2023
Furthermore, Harris highlighted the critical role of global cooperation in space, particularly in addressing climate change. She pointed to the use of space technology to monitor environmental trends, such as air quality and deforestation, aligning with the Biden administration’s environmental agenda.
In addition to the ambitious space exploration goals, the Biden administration aims to establish regulations for commercial space ventures, aiming for safety and predictability while fostering private innovation. Harris emphasized that the domestic rules would serve as a model for global regulation, showcasing American leadership in this arena.
Notably, Vice President Harris recognized the fourth anniversary of the Space Force, a military branch established during the Trump administration to focus on space operations. The professionals in the force, referred to as “guardians,” received applause during the meeting, underscoring the administration’s support for space defense initiatives.
The revival of the National Space Council under the Trump administration also received acknowledgment from Harris, highlighting the continuity of efforts to advance U.S. space exploration and partnerships.
Overall, Vice President Kamala Harris’s announcement reflects a bold and ambitious vision for U.S. space exploration, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to international cooperation, environmental stewardship, and commercial innovation in the space domain.
