Overview
- Isaacman acknowledged the 62-page “Project Athena” strategy as his team’s work, calling it an outdated draft that outlines priorities such as reorganizing the agency, expanding flight opportunities, and investing in AI and nuclear propulsion.
- He disputed readings that the plan directs cancellations of SLS or Gateway or calls for center closures, saying it considers reallocations after current objectives and was meant as a starting point for discussion.
- Industry voices at a major conference praised the renomination, arguing Isaacman could provide clear direction, even as debate continues over elements of his policy outline.
- As of Nov. 5, Congress.gov showed the White House had not transmitted the renomination, and Isaacman is expected to face another Senate hearing once the process moves forward.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy remains the acting administrator, while Isaacman’s close ties to SpaceX and the reopened Artemis III lander competition have prompted questions about potential vendor favoritism.