CAPECANAVERAL, FLA. (AP) -- Billionaire astronaut Jared Isaacman, nominated for the lead role at NASA, presented his plans for space exploration on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of both landing humans on Mars and maintaining efforts towards returning to the Moon.
"It is crucial that we undertake both actions," Isaacman stated to the senators.
Last year, President Donald Trump proposed Isaacman as NASA’s 15th administrator. Should he be confirmed, this tech businessman will take over as the youngest leader in the organization’s history and join an exclusive group of leaders who have personally been to space.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee convened in Washington for the nomination hearing. In addition to Isaacman, nine other seasoned space explorers attended the event, among them being members of NASA’s upcoming lunar mission as well as individuals who participated in private space flights alongside him.
Isaacman told the senators that he remains committed to reaching the moon and aims for the U.S. to outpace China in sending astronauts there.
I never suggested that we shouldn't visit the moon," he stated. "So, what’s causing the delay in returning to the moon and why is it so expensive? I am fully supportive of seeing our return to the lunar surface.
Lunar and Martian missions could be pursued simultaneously. "These aren't mutually exclusive," he further stated. Given the present budget, NASA has the means for both ventures, according to his comments, though he didn't provide specifics.
At 42 years old, Isaacman has already embarked on two space missions using spacecraft from SpaceX, which he personally funded. Additionally, he conducted the inaugural all-private sector spacewalk back in September. With an extensive background as a jet pilot, he accumulated wealth through founding Shift4—a payment processing firm—initially starting this business after leaving high school, operating out of his family home’s basement.
In his statement, he admitted that he is not "your average choice for this role."
I've generally stayed out of politics; I'm not a scientist and I haven't worked for NASA," he stated. "In my view, those aren’t shortcomings.
The space agency and others were eager to learn Isaacman’s stance on lunar and Martian missions for human exploration, considering his strong ties with SpaceX’s Elon Musk.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who chairs the committee, emphasized the importance of "continuing on this path" with NASA's strategy to send astronauts back to the moon.
“A major change in focus at this point would likely result in a red moon appearing, allowing China to dominate for many generations,” Cruz stated.
For many years, NASA has been advocating for the moon as the natural progression for astronauts' journeys. Under the Artemis program, they plan to launch a mission sending a crew around the moon next year and aim to have astronauts touch down near the lunar south pole by 2027 at the earliest. Unlike previous brief stops during the Apollo missions of the late '60s and early '70s, these plans include establishing permanent lunar outposts rather than short-term visits.
Artemis has progressed slowly and at considerable cost, particularly due to NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. So far, it has only launched once—in 2022—without any crew aboard.
Musk prefers Mars as his target destination and is increasing the number of test flights from Texas for Starship, which is currently the largest and most potent rocket globally. His aim with this spacecraft is to significantly reduce expenses related to transporting both individuals and machinery to the Red Planet through reuse capabilities.
NASA has selected Starship for its initial two crewed lunar landings as part of the Artemis program, which takes its name from Apollo's sibling in Greek mythological tradition.
When asked whether Musk had reached out to him since his appointment regarding the management of NASA, Isaacman responded, "Absolutely not." Later, when queried about safeguarding against potential undue influence from Musk—considering SpaceX’s substantial multi-billion-dollar contracts with NASA—Issacman addressed the concern.
I definitely want to make myself clear," Isaacman stated. "My allegiance lies with this country, the space administration, and their groundbreaking mission.
Isaacman stated his backing for keeping the International Space Station operational until 2030, aligning with NASA’s current plan. Earlier this year, Musk proposed that instead of maintaining the space station, efforts should shift towards focusing on Mars exploration sooner rather than later.
When questioned once more by senators prior to concluding the hearing, Isaacman stated that the space station ought to continue operating until it is succeeded by privately owned stations in orbit.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group along with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, the AP maintains full responsibility for the entire content.
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