President Donald Trump used his joint address to Congress to double down on his mission to Mars. During his speech on Tuesday night, Trump declared that his administration will “plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond,” a nod to billionaire Elon Musk.

Donald Trump has used his Address to Congress to double down on his mission to Mars as he said he is “just getting started.” During his speech, Trump declared that his administration will “plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond.

As countries and private enterprises push the boundaries of what is possible beyond Earth, the race to establish a human presence on Mars has become more than just a scientific endeavor—it is now a political statement.