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New NASA Chief Sets Moon-Return Goal for This Term, Plans Base and Nuclear Push

His first interviews follow Senate confirmation under a White House directive targeting a 2028 crewed landing with commercial competition.

Overview

  • Jared Isaacman told CNBC the United States will return to the Moon within President Donald Trump’s second term.
  • He said NASA will build a Moon base and invest in nuclear power and space nuclear propulsion to support sustained operations.
  • He described potential lunar economic projects such as space data centers and the possible mining of Helium‑3.
  • Isaacman said Artemis II is expected to launch soon, with Artemis III planned to use a SpaceX-built lunar lander, as NASA also works with Blue Origin and Boeing.
  • His remarks come after a yearlong nomination saga that included a withdrawal over "prior associations," reported to involve ties to Elon Musk, before Senate confirmation last week.