President Trump Proclaims Outer Space Open to All Humans and U.S. Citizens

President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 11079 on November 3, 2026, stating that the solar system and all outer space beyond Earth are the province of all humans and are open to exploration, development, use, and the establishment of a permanent presence by American citizens consistent with United States law and international obligations.

The text references the recent Artemis II mission, which in April carried astronauts around the Moon, and previews Artemis III slated for next summer. It reiterates a goal to return to the Moon by 2028, lay the foundation for a permanent American lunar presence, and ultimately place an American on the surface of Mars.

By framing outer space as accessible to U.S. citizens, the proclamation signals that future commercial and governmental activities must align with existing U.S. statutes and the nation's treaty commitments. The language ties space endeavors to national security, scientific leadership, and the preservation of "freedom and individual liberty."

The proclamation appears in the Federal Register as Volume 91, No. 214, dated Friday, November 6, 2026, on pages 70767-70768, under FR Doc No 2026-22789. As a presidential proclamation, it does not create new regulatory requirements but articulates policy direction that may influence licensing, export controls, and other statutory frameworks governing space activities.

Stakeholders in the commercial space sector and related government agencies are now tasked with interpreting how the stated commitment to "open" space aligns with existing legal obligations while advancing the administration's stated objectives of a thriving space economy and enduring American leadership.