In his prepared remarks, Trump, a longtime backer of U.S.-led space exploration and exploitation, singled out Mars and left the moon hanging.

President Donald Trump set a bold new goal in his inauguration speech. He wants to go to Mars. Details are thin, but the aspiration should benefit Elon Musk’s SpaceX. “Above all, my message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage,

Elon Musk gives a thumbs up as Trumpannounces plans to send astronauts to Mars ::"The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation." // "...and we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars,