Avi Loeb told Newsmax on Thursday that President Donald Trump's push to restore American leadership in space is rooted in the inspiration of the Apollo era and is now playing out in a renewed race to the moon.
Appearing on "National Report," the Harvard astrophysicist pointed to this week's successful launch of NASA's Artemis II mission as a clear signal that the United States is reclaiming momentum in space exploration.
"The president was born at a time where, as a child, he witnessed the Apollo program — the inspiration that it brings," Loeb said. "And I think that resonates with his policy."
Artemis II blasted off Wednesday, sending NASA astronauts on a historic mission around the moon — the first crewed lunar flight in more than five decades and a major step toward returning Americans to the lunar surface.
The mission is designed to test critical systems needed for future landings, as the U.S. looks to establish a sustained presence on the moon ahead of global competitors.
Loeb said the launch reflects a broader national shift back toward exploration and ambition.
"It's the next big frontier, and I very much hope that the young generation will be inspired by that and stop being addicted to digital screens," he said.
"It's about time for us to look up," Loeb added.
He emphasized that space leadership is essential to maintaining U.S. dominance, especially as China ramps up its own lunar program.
"I do think that in order for the U.S. to maintain its technological and scientific superiority, we must be pioneering the path forward," Loeb said.
He framed the current moment as a modern space race, with Beijing aiming to land astronauts on the moon in the coming years but America poised to get there first.
"Definitely before the Chinese do bring humans to the moon; they want to do it by the end of the [2030s]," Loeb said.
"But we can do it earlier, and we can do it better," he continued. "And we will lead the way, the way that the Apollo program did."
Loeb credited Trump's leadership with refocusing the nation on space as a strategic priority, echoing the urgency of Cold War-era competition.
"Of course, there was a space race back then with the Soviet Union," he said. "Now, it's with China."
Beyond the moon, Loeb highlighted growing congressional interest in unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs, as another area that could drive innovation.
"Another thing that could inspire us is if we discover extraterrestrial technological civilizations that either we could learn from or be inspired by," he said.
"Maybe we can learn from cosmic neighbors about new technologies," Loeb added. "And again, the U.S. should be leading the way."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.