President Trump will form a National Space Council to enhance America’s leadership in space exploration.

The president signed an executive order Friday to revive the council, which was last active

in 1993.

“Today’s announcement sends a clear signal to the world that we are restoring America’s proud legacy of leadership in space,” he said.

“Our journey into space will not make us stronger and more prosperous but will unite us behind grand ambitions and bring us all closer together. Wouldn’t that be nice? Can you believe space is going to do that? I thought politics was going to do that,” he added, as the room erupted in laughter.

Members of the council, which will be led by Vice President Mike Pence, will include the secretaries of state, defense, commerce, transportation and homeland security, as well as the head of NASA, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the national security adviser and the director of national intelligence.

The council will also draw on insights from scientists and business leaders.

Among those on hand were former NASA astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Gene Kranz and Benjamin Drew.

With AP