Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur, has outlined his priorities for NASA on his inaugural day as the agency’s new leader.
Sworn in as NASA’s 15th administrator on Thursday, Isaacman was officially appointed the same day President Donald Trump endorsed an executive order instructing NASA to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, initiate the development of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030, and establish a framework for future exploration of Mars.
This order is expected to offer Isaacman and NASA a strategic roadmap.
“In the next three years, we will once again land American astronauts on the Moon, but this time we aim to create the necessary infrastructure for their extended stay,” Isaacman stated in an interview with NBC News following his swearing-in.
He assumes this role during a pivotal moment for NASA, as the Trump administration urges the agency to land astronauts on the Moon before any Chinese astronauts arrive there.
“A new space race is upon us,” Isaacman remarked.
The next stage of NASA’s Moon return initiative, known as Artemis, could kick off as soon as February. The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar orbit to test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.
The following Artemis III mission is anticipated to have astronauts land close to the lunar south pole.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly (left) swears in Jared Isaacman (right) as NASA’s 15th administrator in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, with Isaacman’s parents, Donald and Sandra Murray, present.Bill Ingalls/NASA (via Getty Images)
Under Isaacman’s leadership, NASA is anticipated to pursue increased commercialization. SpaceX and Blue Origin will be crucial to the agency’s lunar return efforts, and Isaacman indicated that additional private space firms will back the agency’s aspirations for the Moon.
President Trump’s space policy executive order advocates for the creation of a “dynamic commercial space economy driven by American free enterprise” and details plans to reduce the International Space Station while establishing a commercial space station by 2030.
Additionally, the order emphasizes nuclear power in space. Following direction from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who served as NASA’s acting administrator before Isaacman’s confirmation, the initiative aims to develop a nuclear reactor ready for launch to the Moon by 2030.
Isaacman highlighted the importance of nuclear power for explorations beyond the Moon, particularly for future Mars missions.
However, one significant challenge he will encounter as administrator is translating the White House’s vision into action with a constrained budget.
Current funding for the U.S. government is set to last until January 30; afterward, NASA may face substantial budget reductions, especially for science operations.
Despite these immediate hurdles, Isaacman remains optimistic about the agency’s capacity to align with the administration’s goals.
“Whether it’s $25 billion or $20 billion, it’s a significant sum that the agency receives every year,” he remarked. “We possess exceptional talent to tackle numerous challenging, nearly impossible tasks simultaneously.”
“This is an opportunity for the president’s space policy to revisit the Moon, establish infrastructure there, and invest in future technologies like nuclear power in anticipation of Mars missions,” Isaacman stated. “With the resources at hand and the president’s dedication to space policy in the White House, I’m confident we can achieve our objectives.”
Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, was officially confirmed by the Senate as NASA’s new administrator on Wednesday, concluding a dramatic chapter that began over a year ago.
Initially nominated by then-President-elect Donald Trump in December 2024, Isaacman saw his nomination retracted just five months later following a comprehensive review of prior relations.
In an unexpected turn, President Trump renominated Isaacman in November, asserting that his enthusiasm and experience in the field of space make him “ideally suited to lead NASA into a new visionary era.”
This leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture for NASA, with ongoing concerns regarding the agency’s future funding and mission priorities. Similar to other governmental entities, NASA is recovering from significant budget cuts and workforce reductions implemented during the Trump administration.
The final vote for approval was 67-30.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee endorsed Isaacman’s nomination following a Dec. 3 hearing where he emphasized the urgency of returning NASA astronauts to the moon ahead of China.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas and committee chair, expressed hopes for Isaacman’s approval by year-end.
Isaacman, 42, is the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company, though he has not previously worked with NASA or in government. He will succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been acting as NASA’s administrator since July.
During the Senate committee hearing, Isaacman articulated a commitment to lunar exploration and prevailing in a renewed space race with China. Both nations aspire to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, yet NASA’s Artemis program has encountered multiple delays and budget overruns, while China’s space efforts have made swift advancements.
NASA plans to send four astronauts around the moon next year in a vital test for its next-generation rockets and spacecraft. If successful, the agency aims to land a crew near the moon’s south pole by 2027. In parallel, China has announced plans to achieve its own lunar landing by 2030.
Beyond its lunar aspirations, NASA faces ambiguity regarding its funding and overarching purpose. Earlier this year, President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting over $6 billion, or roughly 24%, from NASA’s budget, but this met with considerable resistance in both the House and Senate.
Isaacman was subject to extensive questioning during his confirmation hearing regarding the leak of “Project Athena,” a document detailing his vision for NASA. The 62-page proposal, first reported by Politico, suggested significant alterations to NASA’s scientific agenda, such as prioritizing Mars missions, enhancing nuclear-electric propulsion, reforming certain NASA centers, and increasing commercial partnerships.
Isaacman stated in the hearing that Project Athena is a “draft document,” yet he affirmed support for its contents, asserting that they are “valid from all perspectives.”
The confirmation proceedings also spotlighted Isaacman’s ties with Elon Musk. Isaacman has made two space flights on commercial SpaceX missions, self-financed, without publicly disclosed costs. Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, previously aligned with Trump but supported Isaacman’s initial nomination.
The reversal of Isaacman’s nomination came during a public spat between Trump and Musk. Isaacman faced scrutiny regarding his connections with Musk, including how his business dealings relate to SpaceX.
Isaacman downplayed this connection, emphasizing that he chose SpaceX for his space travel due to its unique capability to transport astronauts to and from space.
He concluded, stating, “There are no photos of him at dinner, in a bar, on a plane, on a yacht, because they don’t exist.”
By the year 2030, humanity will face a critical decision regarding the “ultimate risk” of allowing artificial intelligence systems to self-train and enhance their capabilities, according to one of the foremost AI experts.
Jared Kaplan, chief scientist and co-founder of the $180bn (£135bn) US startup Anthropic, emphasized that crucial choices are being made concerning the level of autonomy granted to these evolving systems.
This could potentially spark a beneficial “intellectual explosion” or signify humanity’s loss of control.
In a conversation addressing the intense competition to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI), also referred to as superintelligence, Kaplan urged global governments and society to confront what he termed the “biggest decision.”
Anthropic belongs to a network of leading AI firms striving for supremacy in the field, alongside OpenAI, Google DeepMind, xAI, Meta, and prominent Chinese competitors led by DeepSeek. Claude, one of the popular AI assistants, has gained significant traction among business clients.
Kaplan predicted that a decision to “relinquish” control to AI could materialize between 2027 and 2030. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Kaplan stated that aligning swiftly advancing technology with human interests has proven successful to date, yet permitting technology to recursively enhance itself poses “the ultimate risk, as it would be akin to letting go of AI.” He mentioned that a decision regarding this could emerge between 2027 and 2030.
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“Envisioning a process generated by an AI that is as intelligent, or nearly as intelligent, as you. This is essentially about developing smarter AI.”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“This seems like a daunting process. You cannot predict the final outcome.”
Kaplan transitioned from a theoretical physicist to an AI billionaire in just seven years. During an extensive interview, he also conveyed:
AI systems are expected to handle “most white-collar jobs” in the coming two to three years.
His 6-year-old son is unlikely to outperform AI in academic tasks, such as writing essays or completing math exams.
It is natural to fear a scenario where AI can self-improve, leading humans to lose control.
The competitive landscape around AGI feels tremendously overwhelming.
In a favorable outcome, AI could enhance biomedical research, health and cybersecurity, productivity, grant additional leisure time, and promote human well-being.
Kaplan met with the Guardian at Anthropic’s office in San Francisco, where the interior design, filled with knitted rugs and lively jazz music, contrasts with the existential concerns surrounding the technology being cultivated.
San Francisco has emerged as a focal point for AI startups and investment. Photo: Washington Post/Getty Images
Kaplan, a physicist educated at Stanford and Harvard, joined OpenAI in 2019 following his research at Johns Hopkins University and Cologne, Germany, and co-founded Anthropic in 2021.
He isn’t alone in expressing concerns at Anthropic. One of his co-founders, Jack Clark, remarked in October: He considers himself both an optimist and a “deeply worried” individual. He described the path of AI as “not a simplistic and predictable mechanism, but a genuine and enigmatic entity.”
Kaplan conveyed his strong belief that AI systems would align with human interests, aligning them to the level of human cognition, although he harbors concerns about surpassing that boundary.
He explained: “If you envision creating this process using an AI smarter or comparable in intelligence to humans, it becomes about creating smarter AI. We intend to leverage AI to enhance its own capability. This suggests a process that may seem intimidating. The outcome is uncertain.”
The advantages of integrating AI into the economy are being scrutinized. Outside Anthropic’s headquarters, a sign from another tech corporation pointedly posed a question about returns on investment: “All AI and no ROI?” A September Harvard Business Review study indicated that AI “workthrop” — subpar AI-generated work requiring human corrections — was detrimental to productivity.
The most overt benefit appears to be the application of AI in computer programming tasks. In September, Anthropic unveiled its advanced AI, Claude Sonnet 4.5, a computer coding model allowing the creation of AI agents and granting autonomous computer utilization.
The attackers exploited the Claude Code tool for various organizations. Photo: Anthropic
Kaplan commented that the company can handle complex, multi-step programming tasks for 30 continuous hours and has, in specific instances, doubled the speed of its programmers through AI integration.
However, Anthropic revealed in November that it suspected a state-supported Chinese group engaged in misconduct by operating the Claude Code Tool, which not only assisted humans in orchestrating cyberattacks but also executed approximately 30 attacks independently, some of which were successful. Kaplan articulated that permitting an AI to train another AI is “a decision of significant consequence.”
“We regard this as possibly the most substantial decision or the most alarming scenario… Once no human is involved, certainty diminishes. You might begin the process thinking, ‘Everything’s proceeding as intended, it’s safe,’ but the reality is it’s an evolving process. Where is it headed?”
He identified two risks associated with the recursive self-improvement method, often referred to in this context, when allowed to operate uncontrollably.
“One concern is regarding potential loss of control. Is the AI aware of its actions? The fundamental inquiries are: Will AI be a boon for humanity? Can it be beneficial? Will it remain harmless? Will it understand us? Will it enable individuals to maintain control over their lives and surroundings?”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“It’s crucial to prevent power grabs and the misuse of technology.”
Photo: Casey Clifford/The Guardian
“It seems very hazardous if it lands in the wrong hands.”
The second risk pertains to the security threat posed by self-trained AI that could surpass human capabilities in scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
“It appears exceedingly unsafe for this technology to be misappropriated,” he stated. “You can envision someone wanting this AI to serve their own interests. Preventing power grabs and the misuse of technology is essential.”
Independent studies on cutting-edge AI models, including ChatGPT, have demonstrated that the length of tasks they can execute is expanding. Doubling every seven months.
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Kaplan expressed his worry that the rapid pace of advancement might not allow humanity sufficient time to acclimatize to the technology before it evolves significantly further.
“This is a source of concern… individuals like me could be mistaken in our beliefs and it might all culminate,” he remarked. “The best AI might be the one we possess presently. However, we genuinely do not believe that is the case. We anticipate ongoing improvements in AI.”
He added, “The speed of change is so swift that people often lack adequate time to process it or contemplate their responses.”
During its pursuit of AGI, Anthropic is in competition with OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and xAI to develop more sophisticated AI systems. Kaplan remarked that the atmosphere in the Bay Area is “certainly intense with respect to the stakes and competitiveness in AI.”
“Our perspective is that the trends in investments, returns, AI capabilities, task complexity, and so forth are all following this exponential pattern. [They signify] AI’s growing capabilities,” he noted.
The accelerated rate of progress increases the risk of one of the competitors making an error and falling behind. “The stakes are considerable to remain at the forefront in terms of not losing ground on exponential growth. [the curve] You could quickly find yourself significantly behind, particularly regarding resources.”
By 2030, it is anticipated that $6.7 trillion will be necessary for global data centers to meet increasing demand. Investors are eager to support companies that are aligned closest to the forefront.
Significant accomplishments have been made in utilizing AI for code generation. Photo: Chen Xin/Getty Images
At the same time, Anthropic advocates for AI regulation. The company’s mission statement emphasizes “the development of more secure systems.”
“We certainly aim to avoid a situation akin to Sputnik where governments abruptly realize, ‘Wow, AI is crucial’… We strive to ensure policymakers are as knowledgeable as possible during this evolution, so they can make informed decisions.”
In October, Mr. Anthropic’s stance led to a confrontation with the Trump administration. David Sachs, an AI advisor to the president, accused Anthropic of “fear-mongering” while promoting state-specific regulations beneficial to the company, while being detrimental to startups.
After Sachs suggested the company was positioning itself as an “opponent” of the Trump administration, Kaplan, alongside Dario Amodei, Anthropic’s CEO, countered by stating the company had publicly supported Trump’s AI initiatives and was collaborating with Republicans, aspiring to maintain America’s dominance in AI.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump revealed his intention to renominate billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to head NASA, just months after abruptly removing Isaacman’s name from consideration in May.
“Jared’s enthusiasm for space, his astronaut experience, and his commitment to advancing exploration and unlocking the secrets of space make him the perfect candidate to guide NASA into a new and daring era,” stated President Trump. View on Truth Social.
Should he be confirmed, Isaacman would succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been serving as interim administrator of the space agency since July.
At 42, Isaacman is considered somewhat of an outsider for leading the space agency. As the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4, he has never held a position with NASA or the federal government.
Nonetheless, he has completed two spaceflights on commercial SpaceX missions, having personally financed both endeavors for undisclosed amounts.
Trump initially nominated Isaacman in December 2024 but retracted his nomination five months later, citing a “thorough review of our existing relationship.” Details were scarce, although some Republicans expressed concern over Isaacman’s past contributions to Democratic campaigns.
If confirmed, Isaacman would take charge of NASA during a time of significant turmoil for the agency. Like other federal departments, NASA has seen major cuts in funding and personnel as part of the Trump administration’s downsizing strategies.
Since Trump’s return to office, NASA has reduced its workforce by about 20%, including over 2,000 senior positions. Last month, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced a reduction of 550 jobs, approximately 10% of its workforce.
Additionally, space agencies are bracing for potential budget cuts, as President Trump’s proposed budget indicates a reduction of more than $6 billion (roughly 24%) in NASA funding. With the ongoing government shutdown, many uncertainties surrounding NASA’s future remain.
The situation is complicated by a renewed space race between the U.S. and China, both vying to establish a sustained human presence on the moon. NASA aims to land astronauts by 2027, although delays are likely. Conversely, China has set its sights on landing its astronauts on the moon by 2030.
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and once an ally of Trump, had shown support for Isaacman’s initial nomination. Trump’s choice to withdraw Isaacman’s nomination coincided with a public dispute between Musk and the president.
Trump’s announcement of Isaacman’s renomination comes just weeks after Musk criticized Duffy on the social media platform X, which he owns.
The interim administrator of NASA revealed plans to open SpaceX’s current lunar lander contract to bids from competitors, sparking Musk’s frustration.
In 2021, SpaceX secured a $2.9 billion contract to use its Starship rocket system for NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027. However, Duffy indicated that SpaceX is falling behind and the government aims to foster competition.
Musk expressed his dissatisfaction with Duffy’s remarks, referring to him as a “Sean dummy” and accusing the acting administrator of undermining NASA.
SpaceX’s operations are closely linked to NASA, as the agency depends on Musk’s company for the transportation of astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, along with upcoming lunar missions.
NASA prioritizes sending American astronauts to Mars, a goal supported by President Trump’s candidate to lead the space agency.
The candidate, Jared Isaacman, CEO of Payment Processing Company Shift4 Payments and a close associate of Elon Musk, brings a unique perspective from leading private astronaut flights into orbit. He is expected to bring new ideas to NASA and its $25 billion budget, aligning with entrepreneurial aerospace companies like SpaceX.
Isaacman aims to revitalize a mission-first culture at NASA, as stated in his opening statement before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology.
While Mars remains a long-term goal for human spaceflight, NASA’s current focus has been on the International Space Station and sending astronauts back to the moon during Trump’s presidency.
Isaacman affirms that NASA will view the moon as a stepping stone to Mars, not abandoning it but utilizing it for scientific, economic, and national security interests.
He believes that fostering an economy in orbit will accelerate NASA’s scientific advancements and discoveries.
Isaacman’s confirmation hearing sheds light on NASA’s future direction amidst uncertainties surrounding federal agencies. With Musk’s influence and contrasting views, the path forward for NASA remains uncertain.
Isaacman is expected to address questions regarding NASA’s space launch system and the future of lunar missions during his confirmation hearing.
Isaacman’s appointment signals a departure from traditional NASA leadership, bringing a fresh perspective from his background in private space missions.
Despite criticisms of NASA’s costly programs like the SLS rocket, Isaacman emphasizes the importance of efficient and cost-effective missions to advance space exploration.
His vision includes prioritizing American astronauts’ return to the moon as a crucial step towards eventual Mars exploration.
Isaacman’s unique approach to space exploration has already been demonstrated through private missions like Inspiration 4 and Polaris Dawn, showcasing innovative technologies and partnerships with SpaceX.
In a shift from traditional aerospace leadership, Isaacman’s nomination for NASA administrator represents a new era of space exploration.
His experiences with private space missions demonstrate a commitment to innovation and collaboration in advancing human space travel.
Isaacman’s appointment heralds a new chapter for NASA as it navigates evolving priorities and challenges in space exploration.
As NASA looks to the future under Isaacman’s leadership, the agency is poised to embrace innovative solutions and partnerships to propel human space endeavors forward.
President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday his intention to nominate billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman as the head of NASA.
“Jared will propel NASA’s mission of exploration and inspiration, opening the doors to groundbreaking advancements in space science, technology, and exploration,” President Trump stated. Post to Truth Social.
At 41 years old, Isaacman is the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company. While he has embarked on two commercial SpaceX spaceflights, he has never been employed by NASA or the federal government. Both spaceflights were privately funded by Isaacman for an undisclosed sum.
Isaacman expressed his honor at being nominated by Trump in a statement.
“Having had the privilege of witnessing our incredible planet from space, I am deeply passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history.” he wrote to x.
Isaacman has a close connection to Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. President Trump has selected Musk, a close associate, to co-lead his new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk congratulated Isaacman on Wednesday. In the post of X.
In 2022, Isaacman partnered with Musk and SpaceX to finance the Polaris mission, a set of three private spaceflights to test technology and maneuvers for exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Isaacman was one of four civilians sent into orbit on the initial spaceflight called Polaris Dawn.
A five-day mission in September included the first all-civilian spacewalk.
Isaacman also funded and partook in SpaceX’s first all-civilian mission into orbit in 2021.
If confirmed, Isaacman will oversee NASA at a crucial juncture, with major missions planned for the return of humans to the moon in the years ahead.
The United States is facing escalating competition in its quest to reach the moon and establish a lasting presence there.
China has made significant advancements in its space program recently, with plans to land Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030. The country has already sent a robotic spacecraft to the moon and brought back the initial samples from the far side. Chinese leaders have expressed their intention to eventually construct a lunar base.
“I was born after the moon landing. My children were born after the final space shuttle launch,” Isaacman said in a statement, emphasizing: Through walking on the Moon or Mars, we can enhance life on Earth. “
Mr. Trump’s selection of an outsider to govern NASA, as well as Mr. Musk’s involvement in the forthcoming administration, may indicate a move toward promoting the commercialization of NASA’s activities. At present, the space agency heavily relies on SpaceX and other commercial partners for launching astronauts, cargo, and spacecraft to the International Space Station and beyond.
Bill Nelson, the current administrator of NASA, has been in office since May 2021. Nelson served as a Senator from Florida from 2001 to 2019 and as a Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1991.
In 1986, Nelson became the second sitting Congressman to travel to space on Space Shuttle Columbia’s STS-61C mission. Nelson and his crew conducted scientific experiments while orbiting the Earth 98 times in six days.
Former NASA administrators have included former astronauts, scientists, engineers, military personnel, and politicians.
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