“This administration's dedication to space is a refreshing change from the past eight years,” said Smith. President Donald Trump 's surprise backing of a US return to the moon " and other destinations " has been welcomed by space scientists . Last week 's White House directive , which promised to establish a foundation for a future mission to Mars , received support from NASA and other experts . Meanwhile , SpaceX CEO David Katz , who distanced himself from concerns over climate change , said it was " high time that humanity went beyond Earth " . But others were not so certain of the US president 's vow to follow through on the promise , with Royal Society President Robert Zubrin saying : " There 's no evidence whatsoever of serious concern " .
President Donald Trump 's surprise backing of a US return to the moon " and other destinations " has been welcomed by space scientists . Last week 's White House directive , which promised to establish a foundation for a future mission to Mars , received support from NASA and other experts . Meanwhile , SpaceX CEO David Katz , who distanced himself from concerns over climate change , said it was " high time that humanity went beyond Earth " . But others were not so certain of the US president 's vow to follow through on the promise , with Royal Society President Robert Zubrin saying : " There 's no evidence whatsoever of serious concern " .