tech
December 27, 2025
New NASA boss Isaacman says U.S. will return to the moon within Trump's term
New NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said that the U.S.'s return to the moon is key to unlocking the "orbital economy."
TL;DR
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman believes the U.S. will return to the moon within President Trump's second term.
- The goal is to explore and realize the scientific, economic, and national security potential of the moon, unlocking the 'orbital economy'.
- Lunar opportunities include establishing space data centers, infrastructure, and mining Helium-3 for fusion power.
- NASA plans investments in nuclear power and space nuclear propulsion after building a moon base.
- The Artemis campaign, involving contractors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, aims for moon exploration and Mars mission preparation.
- The Artemis II and III missions are planned, with SpaceX contracted for the lunar landing system for Artemis III.
- Advancements in reusable launch vehicles and on-orbit cryogenic propellant transfer are crucial for affordable and frequent lunar missions.
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