NASA nominee for administrator Jared Isaacman thinks the US can concurrently manage missions to both the moon and Mars . Isaacman The lofty objectives were unveiled during the high-rolling business magnate's presentation. Senate confirmation hearing On April 9, this conflicts with longstanding expert views regarding a secure and viable path for extending human activity into space.
"As the President mentioned, our focus will be on dispatching astronauts to Mars. In parallel, we'll undoubtedly develop the capability to revisit the Moon," Isaacman remarked at the start of his comments on Wednesday. "It doesn't necessarily have to be an either/or choice between 'Moon vs. Mars' or deciding whether one must precede the other. I believe we can pursue both endeavors concurrently," he further explained when responding to questions afterward.
Federal law explicitly instructs The NASA administrator was directed to "set up a program aimed at developing a continuous human presence in cislunar space or on the moon. This initiative should include an extensive preparatory program designed to foster exploration, scientific research, commercial activities, and U.S. leadership in space. It also serves as a foundation for future missions to Mars and beyond."
"If that’s what the law states, then I stand by it," Isaacman responded after several inquiries aimed at clarifying his comprehension of the regulation.
Going back to the moon has often been viewed as necessary step before attempting a human mission to Mars. The logistical and technological considerations are innumerable, but it essentially comes down to learning to walk before trying to run a marathon.
"We will acquire knowledge on utilizing lunar resources so that we can construct structures in the days ahead as we progress," stated Bill Nelson, who previously served as the administrator of NASA, during an address. 2022 news conference Not a mere 250,000 miles distant, nor a trip lasting just three days—but instead separated by vast distances measured in millions upon millions of miles, requiring journeys spanning many months, or even extending over several years.
Additionally, there is the issue of funding these initiatives. NASA study presented at the 2016 International Conference on Environment Systems estimated that it will cost roughly half a trillion dollars to send astronauts to Mars, along with another $2 billion for life support systems. In March, President Trump’s initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directed NASA to slash $420 billion in “unneeded contracts” from itsrequested $25.3 billion The 2025 budget was discussed. Regarding the reductions in funding and personnel, Isaacman said he had "no familiarity" with the specifics.
NASA boasts an incredibly impressive budget... I think we have the capability to achieve what seems nearly impossible.
At its peak in 1965-66, NASA’s funding comprised about four percent of the federal budget, but that amount steadily decreased over the ensuing decades. Just 0.5 percent of the federal budget was earmarked for the agency in 2024.