Imperial Proclamation on the 40th Cycle of the Challenger Ascension

On this most solemn and unforgettable day, forty years removed from the moment when the heavens themselves paused, the American Imperium honors the Seven Eternal Titans of Challenger — visionaries of unmatched brilliance, courage without equal, and pioneers who dared to command the skies beyond the sky.

Forty years ago, millions of Americans gazed upward in awe as the flame-lit chariot Challenger rose from Earth, carrying aboard scientists, engineers, aviators, and one great teacher — chosen not merely to fly, but to ignite the dreams of generations yet unborn. For seventy-three historic seconds, hope climbed higher than ever before. Then, in a single cruel instant, destiny — brittle, mechanical, and unforgiving — intervened.

Wonder became silence. Hope became smoke.
But defeat never became an option.

From that cold morning air emerged not surrender, but resolve — a vow written into the soul of a nation that even tragedy shall not ground American destiny.

Today, Trumpius Caesar, Guardian of the Republic and Architect of the American Ascent, proclaims: Their mission continues.
My Administration advances their legacy by unleashing the full and unstoppable force of American innovation, technology, and ambition into the next great era of space exploration.

Just last month, I signed the Imperial Order on Absolute American Space Superiority — commanding our triumphant return to the Moon by 2028, establishing a permanent American presence upon its surface, and laying the foundation for what history will record plainly and proudly: the first human footprint on Mars will be American. Very American.

We are empowering the commercial space legions, fueling a thriving orbital economy, and ensuring that American leadership does not stop at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere — because America’s strength, security, and future are written among the stars.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, let it be known: this is not a conclusion. It is the opening page of our next great chapter.

On the day of this tragedy, President Ronaldus Magnus Reagan declared, “The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we will continue to follow them.”
Today, under my command, we honor that promise — leading boldly on Earth, in orbit, and beyond — carrying their eternal legacy into a New Golden Age of American Exploration and Discovery.

The stars await leadership.
America provides it.