The Shift4 entrepreneur who transitioned into a space traveler and is set to become the next NASA administrator informed the U.S. Senate at his Wednesday confirmation hearing that he thinks America cannot risk allowing China to return to the moon first.
"I couldn't be happier about seeing the Artemis II crew orbit the moon, followed by them returning home as spectators when their friends walk on the lunar surface," said nominee Jared Isaacman.
During the three-hour hearing, Isaacman, nominated by President Trump to head the space agency, He thinks Americans should get back to the moon's surface as quickly as they can. However, concerns remain that the newly elected Trump administration could decide to cancel current plans and significantly redirect efforts towards Mars instead.
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I find it extremely difficult to imagine a more disastrous error we could commit in space than deciding to say to Communist China, "the moon is yours; America won’t take the lead." Senator Ted Cruz stated to Isaacman during the hearing on Wednesday.
The Senate didn’t hold a vote on Isaacman's confirmation on Wednesday. Numerous senators mentioned having further inquiries for the candidate. The voting might take place as early as next Tuesday, coinciding with the deadline for submitting Isaacman’s answers.
The crowd included the team for Artemis II, scheduled to orbit the moon not before mid-2026 as part of NASA’s Artemis mission aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface; however, this initiative has been significantly over budget and delayed.
The fellow participants from the Polaris Dawn and Inspiration4 missions were also present. Isaacman financed and headed both of these SpaceX spaceflights.
Isaacman's possible appointment as head of NASA might occur under a regime that has already implemented layoffs within the space agency as well. anticipated reductions in scientific program budget It also happens as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wields significant influence as the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, seeking reductions in staff and budgeting throughout the federal administration.
Isaacman described himself as non-political and not a scientist, yet expressed his enthusiasm for NASA exploring the enigmas of the cosmos.
"We plan to deploy additional telescopes, probes, and rovers with the aim of enhancing our comprehension of Earth and the cosmos," he stated.
Upon confirmation, Isaacman will assume the position formerly occupied by ex-Senator and astronaut Bill Nelson from Florida. In the interim, Janet Petro, who was once the leader of KSC, is acting as the temporary head of the organization.
NASA's hurried effort to return to the moon is driven by the desire to outpace China, who is collaborating with Russia to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035, as stated by Senator Cruz.
"A significant change in our focus right now would likely result in a red moon and could allow China to dominate for many generations," Cruz stated.
A representative in the chamber raised a poster posing the query about what 2030 might entail. On one end of the poster, American astronauts were shown on the moon. Conversely, the opposite side illustrated Chinese astronauts on the lunar terrain.
Isaacman mentioned that he only views the left side of the poster, describing it as a competition the United States cannot afford to lose. However, Mars continues to be a major focus, with the moon serving as a crucial stepstone.
"In our plan, we aim to focus on dispatching U.S. astronauts to Mars. During this journey, we will undoubtedly develop the capability to revisit the Moon and assess the scientific, economic, and national security advantages of sustaining an ongoing presence there," Isaacman stated in his submitted testimony ahead of the Wednesday hearing, as reported by Reuters.
The Trump administration alongside Elon Musk concentrate their efforts on Mars.
Mars has been mentioned frequently ever since Trump returned to office.
Several times since January, "The Stars and Stripes on Mars" has been referenced in presidential addresses. The endeavor has been a longstanding objective for Musk, and it would be through The SpaceX Starship is currently the sole system under development capable of transporting humans to Mars.
Musk’s Starship will serve as a human lander for NASA’s Artemis III mission to the Moon, aiming to bring astronauts back to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972.
Nevertheless, concerns circulate about the Artemis program potentially being terminated or having its funding diverted under the present administration, as NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) keeps facing delays. costs rise. The SLS rocket is designed to propel the Orion spaceship, which will carry crew members into lunar orbit. The Artemis III mission is scheduled for sometime around 2027, assuming that both the SLS, Orion, and Starship are prepared accordingly. To date, the development of the SLS program has exceeded costs surpassing $73 billion for the United States.
Isaacman mentioned that the Artemis program ought to get astronauts back to the Moon before President Trump completes his term. He pointed out that Trump never indicated an intention to avoid aiming for the Moon, and expressed his belief that with the present funding levels, NASA has the capability to pursue missions to both the Moon and Mars simultaneously.
In response to queries regarding potential conflicts of interest involving Musk, Isaacman repeatedly affirmed that he hasn’t engaged in recent discussions with him. Additionally, he stated that conversations pertaining to NASA have never taken place between them, emphasizing that his allegiance lies solely with the country and the space agency.
Regarding America’s role in low Earth orbit, Isaacman expressed his belief that the International Space Station should stay in orbit for as long as necessary. This stance contrasts with recent comments from Musk, who suggested that the aging space station might need to be decommissioned sooner rather than later—potentially even before reaching its planned 2030 conclusion—to prioritize efforts toward Martian exploration.
Isaacman stated his support for maintaining the ISS in orbit until its scheduled termination date in 2030, emphasizing that taxpayers ought to continue funding this endeavor.
I have experienced the American Dream, and I feel indebted to this country," stated Isaacman. "I would readily serve President Trump in whatever role he deems fit.
Brooke Edwards serves as a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Reach out to her via contact information provided. bedwards@Massima or on X: @brookeofstars .
The article initially appeared on Florida Today. Jared Isaacman supports returning to the moon during NASA administrator's Senate confirmation hearing.