Watch: President Trump kicks off NASA’s MAX POWER event, declares “NASA is back”
President Donald Trump arrived at Kennedy Space Center on Friday, November 6, to mark the official opening of MAX POWER, which is a two-day aerospace expo taking place at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on November 7 and 8, 2026. The event includes thrilling experiences such as a stunning air show, a much-awaited Moon Base update, as well as a look into what's ahead. During his address, Trump said that the event is “going to be bigger and bigger every year.”
The event also featured Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen. Referring to the crew, Trump recalled, “Three months ago, it was my privilege to award the crew of Artemis II the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.” He then looked ahead to the next phase, saying, “Next summer, Artemis III will carry astronauts into orbit on a complex mission to test the next lunar landers.” He added that before the end of his term, the United States would return American astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
Tonight, @POTUS joined us at @NASAKennedy at MAX POWER to celebrate the announcement of CAPEWEEK, a new global gathering on the runway that once welcomed the Space Shuttle home. America is getting a stage worthy of our aerospace leadership 🇺🇸🚀 https://t.co/NuxovbwG30
— NASA Spox (@NASASpox) November 7, 2026
Inside the hangar, the tech expo showcased single-seat VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, which can take off and land straight up and down. Additionally, the display included delivery drones and Tesla Cybertrucks. Outside, a used SpaceX first-stage booster and the upper stage of a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket were visible for all to see.
We’re going big for America’s 250th. 🇺🇸 MAX POWER is coming to Florida Nov. 7-8. @NASA and external collaborators will bring together aviation, aerospace technology, and space exploration for a two-day celebration of American innovation and exploration. This is going to be quite a show. 🚀 Learn more about MAX POWER: https://t.co/TKh0fD1z7j
— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) August 14, 2026
CapeWeek 2028: the Great American Aerospace and Technology Expo
Trump also commented on the newly launched U.S. air show and exposition titled CapeWeek. He said the former space shuttle landing strip will become a venue where American aerospace companies can reveal new products and projects. He promised the largest airshow in the world in 2028 and said it would outgrow the Paris Air Show. “A show the likes of which has never been done before,” Trump said. The event will run from March 27 to April 2, 2028, and organizers hope it eventually draws more than 500,000 people a year.
Today, we’re excited to welcome @POTUS to @NASAKennedy as we begin building a global stage worthy of America’s leadership in aerospace. CAPEWEEK will be a great American gathering for the people and technologies shaping the future of aerospace, bringing together builders, operators, entrepreneurs, engineers, pilots, investors, explorers, and hundreds of thousands of members of the public. There is no better stage for this than Kennedy Space Center and the runway that welcomed the Space Shuttle home. This is where America can show the world what we are building next.
— NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) November 6, 2026
Speaking on the occasion, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said, “It [the expo] will become the greatest exhibition of American aerospace capabilities. Not at the Paris Air Show, not at Farnborough, but here at Kennedy Space Center, next to this historic runway that President Trump brought back to life.” He added, “And we are not slowing down. We will return American astronauts to the Moon. We will build an enduring presence on the lunar surface, a Moon base.”
The aircraft lineup just keeps getting bigger. ✈️ MAX POWER, a new aerospace expo, is set for Nov. 7-8 @NASAKennedy — featuring flyovers and static displays, including NASA’s F-15, F-18, T-38, and ER-2 aircraft. Details on how to join us: https://t.co/SPHni2YCxO https://t.co/pXYGxy6ZbE
— NASA (@NASA) October 16, 2026
What visitors can expect next?
Max Power Expo is divided into three paid experiences, so those interested can either attend one or all. The first space includes air shows with military aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The second is called the UP.Summit, which includes a tech expo on transportation, drones, space technology, and more. The last one is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The complex currently hosts astronaut parades, exhibits, and behind-the-gates tours.
The USAF Thunderbirds are flying around KSC in preparation for the Max Power air show. https://t.co/2y8guyW0pi https://t.co/Cf8dU61ues
— NSF - NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) November 6, 2026
Up ahead, on Saturday, NASA will hold a Moon Base news conference at 5 p.m. The event will be streamed live on NASA’s official X account as well as on YouTube. Those interested can watch it via the direct link here. Apart from the conference, the expo will also include an update from NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson on the planned U.S. Space Academy and more.
