WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump is sending astronauts back to the Moon.

Trump signed Space Policy Directive 1 at the White House Space on Monday which changes national space policy by providing for a U.S.-led program with private sector partners for a human return to the Moon, followed by missions to Mars and beyond.

“The directive I am signing today will refocus America’s space program on human exploration and discovery,” said Trump. “It marks a first step in returning American astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972, for long-term exploration and use. This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprints — we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars, and perhaps someday, to many worlds beyond.”

Work toward the new directive will be reflected in NASA’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget request next year.

“NASA looks forward to supporting the president’s directive strategically aligning our work to return humans to the Moon, travel to Mars and opening the deeper solar system beyond,” said acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot. “This work represents a national effort on many fronts, with America leading the way.”

Photo credit: NASA