Trump vs Harris on Space Partnerships with Israel

The Future of US Space Policies & Israel : A Look at Trump & Harris – by Frederic Eger –  “It’s good to be black on Moon!” will be probably what the next US President will here on a Zoom call from a black woman in US Space Force uniform… This now famous punchline thrown out by US Space Force Captain Angela Ali, the character played by Tawny Newsome in the ‘Space Force’ comedy series starring Steve Carrel and John Malkovich will probably stamp the next US Presidency like no previous one.

But to touch base on the Moon first, NASA and SpaceX and the entire US Space and military industrial complex engineers will have to work overtime to keep the NASA’s timeline of key milestones of Artemis 3, 4 and 5 on track… And the next US president will play a central role in such achievement.

This president will only write a new and unique chapter of the world history books, just like John F. Kennedy did, if pragmatic, informed, creative and bold space policy decisions will be made; decisions that include signatory nations to the Artemis accords and strategic partners such as Israel.

Both presidential candidates have executive records in space policy, which is a rare treat for space enthusiasts. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have used their positions to consistently prioritize US leadership in space, but they have done so with noticeably different styles and results.

Trump established a record of meaningful and lasting space policy decisions while attracting more attention to his administration’s space activities than his predecessors. He oversaw the establishment of the US Space Force, the reestablishment of US Space Command, and the National Space Council. These organizations support the development and operation of military space technologies, defend national security satellites in future conflicts, and coordinate between federal agencies working in the space domain. His space policy directives clarify the US government’s goals in space, including how it should support and rely on the commercial space sector, track objects in Earth’s orbit, and protect satellites from cyber threats.

Harris’s space policy record is noticeably smaller. The Biden Administration has continued to support Trump-era initiatives, resisting the temptation to undo or cancel past proposals. As the chair of the National Space Council, Harris has set US space policy priorities and represented the United States on the global stage.

Space policy is a bipartisan area that presidential campaigns often overlook. Both candidates’ platforms support space commercialization and innovation, returning astronauts to the Moon, and continuing American leadership in space.

However, there are significant differences between the two candidates, as they emphasize greater cooperation and coordination among all sectors involved in space exploration, using space technology as a stimulant for preparing the high-tech workforce, and leveraging space technologies to monitor and address the existential threats posed by climate change.

The United States has dominated the space race, but space is increasingly an environment that requires multilateral coordination on rules and norms, especially on specific missions. Failing to develop clear “rules of the road” for commercial operations, especially on the Moon, can create uncertainty and hinder development.

The Trump Administration originated the Artemis Accords, non-binding principles to guide civil space exploration and exploitation, which 38 of the 47 countries currently signed on to the Accords joined during the Biden Administration.

Harris has encouraged and worked for international cooperation and coordination in areas ranging from banning debris-generating anti-satellite (ASAT) tests in space to developing standards for commercial development of space both in orbit and on celestial bodies like the Moon and asteroids.

A less photogenic but still critical area is workforce development. A burgeoning space industry provides a growing opportunity that incentivizes young people to get the right training, which will benefit the nation in all its endeavors. All the Biden Administration’s high-tech initiatives such as the CHIPS and Science Act have included an emphasis on STEM education and training. In 2022, Kamala Harris helped launch the Space Workforce Coalition.

The biggest threat to NASA’s budget is the growing federal deficit, which could lead to the cancellation of NASA’s Artemis program to return to the Moon. In military space, the multiplication of regional wars has demonstrated the growing importance of military operations in orbit and the threats posed by adversaries to GPS and other satellites. International cooperation is essential for global navigation and the development of alternative technologies in case GPS is jammed, spoofed, or otherwise downgraded.

Harris’ Space Policies & Israel.
Continuing Existing Policies, Sustainability & International Collaboration.
As chair of the National Space Council, Harris has largely continued the space policies initiated during the Trump administration, particularly the Artemis program aimed at lunar exploration. This program seeks to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustainable human presence there, which aligns with her commitment to international cooperation in space.

Harris has emphasized responsible behavior in space, notably advocating against destructive anti-satellite tests that create space debris. This stance is aimed at fostering a sustainable environment for future missions and setting a global precedent. Harris is viewed positively by European allies and is likely to prioritize multilateral efforts in space exploration, enhancing partnerships with countries like Israel, which has its own burgeoning space program focused on satellite technology and lunar missions.

Kamala Harris’s potential presidency could significantly strengthen US-Israel ties in space technology, exploration, and colonization. Her commitment to international collaboration and innovation aligns well with Israel’s advanced capabilities in these areas. Harris has consistently reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. Under her leadership, there would be a robust framework for collaboration with Israel in space initiatives.

Harris’s administration has initiated joint projects with Israel, such as a $70 million investment in climate-smart agriculture technologies. This collaborative spirit is likely to extend into space exploration, where both countries can benefit from shared research and development efforts. Harris has also promoted sustainable practices in space operations, including a commitment to halt destructive anti-satellite weapon tests. This aligns with Israel’s interests in maintaining a secure orbital environment for its satellites.

Harris has been an advocate for the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. Israel’s participation in lunar missions such as Beresheet 2 could be an area of focus, leveraging its technological expertise.

The Biden-Harris administration has emphasized multilateral efforts in space policy, which could facilitate joint missions involving Israeli astronauts or technology. Such collaborations would enhance both US and Israel’s capabilities and foster deeper ties through shared achievements in space exploration.

Trump Space Policies & Israel: A Military Space Expansion.
Donald Trump’s presidency could potentially strengthen ties with Israel in the realms of space technology, exploration, and colonization. His administration’s approach to space policy has emphasized military and commercial interests, which aligns with Israel’s advancements and strategic goals in these areas. Key aspects of Trump’s space policy toward Israel include military collaboration, commercial partnerships, and lunar exploration initiatives.

Trump’s administration established the U.S. Space Force, focusing on space as a military domain, which could lead to closer military collaboration with Israel, particularly in defense technologies that involve satellite systems, cybersecurity and space-based assets. Such partnerships could enhance Israel’s security capabilities and integrate U.S. and Israeli defense strategies in space.

Trump’s administration prioritized partnerships with private companies in the space sector, which could facilitate collaboration with Israeli tech firms and ecosystem, known for their innovation in satellite technology and other space-related fields. Enhanced commercial ties could lead to joint ventures that benefit both nations economically and technologically.

Trump’s Artemis Program redirected NASA’s focus from Mars back to the Moon through the Artemis program, aiming to revitalize US lunar exploration, laying the groundwork for future Mars missions. It includes a Lunar Landing mission in 2026, a lunar Gateway in 2028, and commercial partnerships, promoting diversity and science and technology. This initiative presents opportunities for Israel to participate in lunar missions or related projects, leveraging its technological expertise in satellite deployment and robotics.

Donald Trump’s unilateral approach to international relations may pose challenges for broader space cooperation. While his policies may strengthen ties with Israel, his more unilateral approach could complicate collaborations. Trump’s focus on military collaboration, commercial partnerships, and lunar exploration initiatives may enhance US-Israel relations. However, concerns still exist that a second Trump administration may adopt a harder unilateral approach than his first presidency, potentially straining relationships with allies like Israel.

Given their past leadership, it is unlikely that either candidate will seek to dramatically alter the long-term missions the largest government space organizations have underway during the upcoming presidential term.