BBC News
By Bernd Debusmann Jr
reporting from the White House
March 31, 2026
The first journey to deep space since 1972 comes at a crucial time in Donald Trump’s presidency.
The US is bitterly divided on topics ranging from the ongoing US strikes in Iran to immigration and the economy.
So a successful Artemis mission, sending four astronauts to the Moon on Wednesday, could give Trump’s administration a boost. The potential benefits are huge – a competitive edge with China, the possibility of a lunar gold rush, and a rare moment of national unity.