This deliberation explores topical issues in the American space program, focusing on the broad areas of space policy priorities of the Trump Administration and commercial partnerships with NASA in order to give students a knowledge base to form and articulate opinions regarding the future of the space program. Students can explore one or both subtopics; the content is divided into those two categories, but overlap does exist between them.

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Background Videos

President Kennedy’s 1962 Speech on the US Space Program (3:41)

Brief History of the US Space Program- Scientist Ted Spitzmiller (6:27)

The Space Shuttle Program (4:33)

The Future of Space Exploration- Professor Chris Impey, University of Arizona (6:11)

The Role of NASA- Acting NASA Administrator Lightfoot (3:25)

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Background Article

• National Archives Space Exploration Timeline- National Archives
• President Trump wants my department to keep space safe. We’re ready.– Washington Post Opinion by Wilbur Ross