Trump administration unveils plan to supercharge US space sector

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has launched the Space Policy Administration, Coordination, and Execution (SPACE) Task Force, an interdepartmental body tasked with coordinating space policy activities across the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).

The task force will implement the administration’s National Space Transportation Policy, which calls for expanding launch infrastructure, streamlining regulations, improving integration with the national airspace system, and coordinating space policy across the department.

“Under President Trump, the U.S. is leading in commercial space innovation. America had 217 of the 329 commercial space launches worldwide in 2025 and we expect that number to soar to 10,000 FAA-licensed launches and reentries yearly by 2035. This SPACE Task Force is going to ensure this next era of space transportation is led by America–not China,” Duffy said.

The SPACE Task Force will lead and coordinate a unified strategy for commercial space transportation, with a focus on strengthening national security, enhancing US economic competitiveness, and promoting innovation as Washington seeks to maintain its advantage in the space sector amid competition with China.

“Keeping America’s edge in commercial space is key to advancing the economic and national security of the United States, and thanks to President Trump, USDOT is empowered like never before to advance this national priority,” said Under Secretary Ryan McCormack. “The SPACE Task Force will develop and coordinate space policy to achieve the aims of the National Space Transportation Policy and strengthen American leadership in this vital sector.”

Chaired by McCormack, the task force brings together experts from several USDOT components, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of General Counsel, Office of Research and Technology, Office of Transportation Policy, Office of Multimodal Freight Policy, and Office of Aviation and International Affairs.

The launch of the task force comes as the department advances several initiatives aimed at expanding US spaceport infrastructure and accelerating commercial launch activity.

These include developing new space launch routes, investing in roads serving commercial space facilities, soliciting public input on locations for new spaceports, and streamlining commercial space licensing to speed up approvals for rocket launches, spacecraft reentries, and the operation of launch and reentry sites.

By Vafa Guliyeva