On August 20 2026 US President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum that radically reshapes US space policy. The goal: Over 1000 launches and reentries per year from American soil by 2030. This is a quantum leap transforming space travel from a state dominated sector to an economically driven privatized industry. The strategy focuses on acceleration deregulation and close collaboration with the private sector to establish the US as the undisputed spacefaring nation.

But as the US expands its technological and economic leadership a central question arises: Who writes the rules for a multiplanetary future? The current strategy leaves a critical gap in global governance. Space so the implicit message is a tool of national and economic power not a shared human endeavor.

1000 launches a year: What the numbers reveal

The US ambitious goals are more than just a number. They reflect a systemic shift:

Scaling launches will not only reduce costs but also enable new industries from orbital manufacturing to commercial lunar missions. But this boom also carries risks: orbital congestion lack of coordination between actors and the danger of privatizing space without clear international agreements.

The US is betting on speed and competition but without global standards this approach could lead to a race for resources and influence that ultimately leaves everyone losing.

Privatization without governance: The blind spots of US strategy

The US plans focus on infrastructure technology and economic opportunities but they ignore the most pressing governance questions:

Resource mining on the Moon and asteroids: Who owns the rights to helium 3 or rare metals? The US sees this as an economic opportunity but without international agreements we risk a new free for all capitalism in space.

AI controlled systems in space: Autonomous satellites lunar robots or AI in space logistics are already being developed but who takes responsibility when something goes wrong? There is a lack of binding frameworks that can keep pace with technological progress.

Long term sustainability: The US strategy thinks in decades not centuries. But a multiplanetary civilization needs institutions that think beyond election cycles and corporate interests.

This is where Cosmonomy comes in as understood by planet futures.org: the study of the order of living together beyond Earth. How can law legitimacy economy and culture be constituted when no state holds territory and no precedent applies? Cosmonomy emphasizes that space must belong to no one and that is the only way it can belong to everyone.

Europe’s opportunity: Sovereignty through governance not just technology

The US strategy presents Europe with a dilemma: Should it try to keep up technologically or play to its strengths in frameworks standards and inclusive models?

Europe has the chance to offer an alternative to the US: a space program that focuses not just on power and profit but on sustainability cooperation and long term stability. This requires:

Strategic autonomy: Europe must develop its own capabilities not as a counter to the US but as a complementary system based on global cooperation.

Governance as an export: Europe’s strength lies in its ability to develop regulatory frameworks that ensure fairness security and sustainability. Here Europe can take a leading role.

Inclusive models: Space must not be reserved for superpowers or billionaires. Europe can promote participatory approaches that also give smaller nations and civil society a voice.

AI in space: The silent race no one is regulating

While the US expands its launch capabilities a silent race for AI in space is underway. Autonomous systems already control satellites analyze data and make real time decisions. But governance is lagging behind:

Lack of international agreements: There are no binding rules on who can develop deploy or control AI in space.

Security risks: AI controlled systems could escalate conflicts or cause unintended damage without clear accountability.

Ethical questions: Can AI decide over life and death in space? Who is responsible if an autonomous robot makes a mistake on the Moon?

We urgently need a global dialogue before technology outpaces policy.

Multiplanetary governance: The missing piece

The US strategy shows that technology and economics alone are not enough. What is missing is a framework for a multiplanetary civilization and this is where planet futures.org comes in.

Governance Across Generations: Institutions that represent not only today’s generations but also future ones through temporal chambers or mandates for the unborn.

Democratic Innovation: Participatory models that ensure decisions in space are made legitimately and inclusively from resource distribution to colony design.

Cosmonomy: An approach that understands space exploration as a shared human project. How can we design law legitimacy economy and culture beyond Earth when no state owns territory and no precedents apply?

Three levers for a civilizational space age

To ensure that space creates prosperity for all not just power for a few we need three key levers:

Global agreements for resources and AI in space: Inspired by Cosmonomy we must develop international standards that ensure space benefits everyone not just a select few.

European alliances for strategic autonomy: Europe should leverage its strengths in governance and cooperation to become a third force between the US and China. Partnerships with African Asian and Latin American nations can make a difference here.

Civil society participation: Space must not be shaped solely by governments and corporations. NGOs science art and citizen initiatives must have a voice for example through platforms like the Civilizational Brief or participatory bodies.

Question for you: Space as a prosperity driver for all or a tool of power for a few?

The US strategy marks a turning point: Space is becoming an economic and military power factor. But this development carries a risk that space will ultimately benefit only a few not humanity as a whole.

The alternative? A civilizational space age based on cooperation sustainability and inclusive governance. A space age that carries not just technology but also values into the cosmos.

What do you think: Can we afford to leave the governance of space to the US and a few corporations or do we need a global awakening now?

Website: https://planet-futures.org