Presidential Memorandum on Space Exploration

On December 11, 2017, a Memorandum was issued entitled "Space Policy Directive-1: Reinvigorating America's Human Space Exploration Program."  The Memorandum is addressed to a large number of cabinet members.  This memorandum has 2 sections.

Section 1

This section indicates that the memorandum amends a previous 2010 Space Exploration Directive-4 to replace a vague sentence with some more specific goals.  I have not been able to find this referenced document on the internet, the closest is this.  The EO states that the USA will first focus on going back to the moon and then set sights on exploration further afield.

Section 2

This section directs that the memorandum be published in the Federal Register as well as the usual fine print to assure that the executive actions are not overstepping constitutional authority.

My Commentary

The long term goal of getting off this planet is one that I share.  For the survival of the species and many of the species on Earth at this time, it is going to become necessary, due to the limitations of resources on Earth, to be able to escape to the stars.  However, space exploration needs more than just noble words, it needs money, resources, public focus and inspiration which are all things that the current administration has not granted the Agencies that are supposed to carry out this work.  As such, this memorandum is just another bit of hypocrisy from the current administration.