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.”
A Two Swedish automotive brands, Volvo and Polestar, are spearheading an initiative to urge Brussels to adhere to the established timeline, especially as tensions escalate with Germany increasing its calls on the European Commission to reconsider the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.
They contend that such a decision is merely a temporary fix for the fractures within Germany’s automotive sector, arguing it would both delay the transition to electric vehicles and inadvertently grant an edge to China.
“Delaying the 2035 target is simply a terrible idea. There’s no other way to put it,” stated Michael Loescherer, the CEO of Polestar, Europe’s sole manufacturer of fully electric vehicles.
“Make no mistake, if Europe fails to spearhead this shift, other nations will take the lead.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reconsider the 2035 deadline. He advocated for permitting the production of new hybrid and high-efficiency internal combustion engine vehicles beyond the cutoff, noting consumer reluctance towards EVs.
“We are sending the right message to the commission with this letter,” Merz asserted, claiming the German government aims to address climate issues in a “technology-neutral manner.”
From Polestar’s transparent office in Gothenburg, Sweden, Loescherer is astounded by the current situation.
His attempts to engage in the EU’s year-long “strategic dialogue” concerning the future of the automotive industry were ignored. “I sent two letters and I’m not even sure if there was a response to the second one,” he shared.
Nearby, viewing the expansive Volvo assembly facility in Gothenburg, Håkan Samuelsson, the 74-year-old CEO of Volvo Cars, reflects on the industry landscape.
“I don’t perceive any reason to slow our progress,” he remarked.
Samuelsson compares the opposition faced by the lucrative automotive sector today to the backlash that greeted catalytic converters and seat belts half a century ago.
“If not mandated, probably 30% of our vehicles wouldn’t come equipped with seat belts, and without a requirement, we likely wouldn’t have seen the adoption of catalytic converters either,” he explained.
Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson indicated that reversing the 2035 petrol car ban lacks rationale.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
Volkswagen and BMW can pursue their own paths, Samuelsson noted, but easing up on electrification will only widen the gap with China.
“China will establish factories in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania… countries with low labor costs. I doubt we can isolate China from the EU through tariffs. We need to compete directly with them,” he added.
Samuelsson suggested that von der Leyen need not make an immediate decision and could defer it until closer to the deadline. “We have time. Another 10 years is at our disposal.”
Michael Bross, the Green Party’s representative in the European Parliament, remarked that Merkel’s requests would “significantly dilute” contentious EU legislation and “essentially grant a free pass” to internal combustion engines.
The Greens and the Sweden Party argue that extending the lifespan of hybrid vehicles sends a signal to consumers that electric cars aren’t necessary, thus validating the automobile industry’s stance.
Loescherer shares similar thoughts. “China will not remain static. They will assert dominance. If Brussels opts to suspend this; [target] when they state, ‘We’ll grant you five extra years, stop,’ they are genuinely jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
Polestar CEO Michael Loescherer asserts that abolishing the 2035 deadline is misguided.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
The articulate, marathon-running executive finds it ludicrous to even contemplate abolishing the 2035 target established just three years prior.
Loescherer was involved in the initial discussions that led to the EU’s 2022 resolution to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engines by 2035, a move celebrated by then-Vice President Frans Timmermans as a crucial step toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“During my tenure at Opel, I participated in these meetings and visited Brussels biannually. We debated this extensively,” said the Polestar president.
“I’m a marathon runner; I’ve completed 126 marathons throughout my life. Would I train and decide to run a half marathon because it’s difficult? No.”
Mr. Loescherer, with extensive experience as former CFO of VW and ex-CEO of Opel and Vietnamese car manufacturer Vinfast, states that Germany, amidst economic challenges, must learn to adapt quickly.
“It’s about mindset, it’s about attitude. Recently, I traveled to China and South Korea and have returned home to Germany.”
“In Germany, the sentiment is clear: everyone wants to safeguard the past, resisting change and striving to maintain the status quo. I’m German, so I can assert this with conviction. In China or the US, the focus is on, ‘What’s the next breakthrough? What’s the next initiative? What’s the next enterprise to launch?’ It’s a significant contrast. The mindsets are fundamentally different.”
Polestar, initially a racing car manufacturer in 1996, was acquired by Volvo in 2015, restructured in 2017, and relaunched as an independent EV manufacturer. Geely Automobile, Volvo’s Chinese stakeholder, now holds a majority stake.
When questioned if Chinese ownership might create unease in Brussels regarding Volvo’s stance, Mr. Samuelsson reiterated that Volvo remains a Swedish entity. “We’ve been part of Ford for 11 years, now we’re in our 14th or 15th year at Geely, and we’re experiencing significant growth. We’re listed on the Swedish stock exchange, adhering to European regulations. We’re Swedish. We are no more Chinese than we are American. We are as Swedish as Ava or IKEA.”
He emphasized that the EU must continue to expedite electrification, asserting its vital role in the future. Polestar has developed a vehicle capable of traveling 560 miles (900 km) on a single charge.
Samuelsson revealed that Volvo has five fully electric vehicles and is on the verge of introducing the EX60, an electric version of its top-selling XC60, already offering a range of 310 to 370 miles.
This approach addresses one of the three primary concerns consumers have when purchasing EVs, noted Samuelsson. The second concern pertains to charging time, which he believes should be reduced to 15 to 20 minutes—akin to the brief breaks drivers typically take for coffee, restroom, or stretching at a rest stop. “In the future, there will be no issue,” he asserted.
“The third obstacle hindering consumer adoption is price,” he continued.
“[If] we in the automotive sector can address these three necessities, the adoption rate for EVs will escalate. Therefore, I see no reason to question whether 2035 is too early. We’ve got time. Our goal should be to accelerate, not decelerate.”
Samuelsson also criticized the ongoing discourse surrounding net zero, arguing that it’s not reflective of real-world progress.
“As I follow the debates in Brazil concerning police issues, I can’t help but ponder whether all this discussion is genuinely advancing climate improvement?”
“I find myself increasingly inclined to believe that technological advancement and innovation are what we truly need to facilitate progress. Mere discussion won’t suffice.”
“Electrification is the effective solution. It benefits the environment, which is crucial. Moreover, it also appeals to customers. It’s one of the rare green innovations that consumers are enthusiastic about as well.”
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One factor in our aging process is the buildup of mutations in our cellular DNA.
Mohammed Elamine Aliwi / Alamy
Clusters of proteins seem to significantly influence the rate of DNA repair within our bodies, which in turn determines how quickly mutations accrue in cells throughout one’s life. This dynamic can significantly influence both aging and lifespan.
“It is a very reliable indicator of lifespan across humans and other animals,” states Trey Ideker from the University of California, San Diego. His research team aims to discover treatments that might enhance lifespan by increasing DNA repair mechanisms.
Some researchers assert that the evidence linking this specific protein complex—a collection of two or more proteins that collaborate for a biological function—to mutation rates is compelling. However, more investigation is necessary to concretely establish the relationship between aging and longevity.
Regarding why we age, one proposed theory is that it results from the gradual accumulation of mutations in cellular DNA. As these mutations pile up, the functionality of cellular machinery declines, leading to a cascade of issues.
Cells act like repair teams that address broken DNA, yet their efforts aren’t always adequate. In fact, the efficacy of DNA repair varies, likely influenced by genetic factors.
Ideker’s team has currently compiled evidence indicating that a protein complex known as Dream acts as a master regulator of DNA repair. This complex operates like a supervisor for the repair team. Each complex, potentially existing in numerous identical copies in every cell, is formed by various proteins, and the acronym DREAM reflects the names of its components.
Initially, DREAM was thought to control cell division, but it is now known to repress hundreds of genes tasked with DNA repair, including BRCA2, a gene that heightens breast cancer risk when mutated.
The research group created a metric for DREAM activity by scrutinizing the over 300 genes they initially manage. “This study aims to demonstrate unmistakably that high DREAM activity correlates with increased aging and reduced longevity, while low DREAM activity is favorable for longevity,” he explains.
Using data from studies involving over 100,000 mouse cells across various tissues, the researchers established that cells exhibiting greater DREAM activity harbor more mutations. Subsequently, they examined data from 92 mammalian species and confirmed a strong correlation between reduced DREAM activity and extended maximum lifespans.
In another facet of their experiment, they scrutinized data from a study involving 90 cells, including 80 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, discovering a connection between DREAM activity and increased risk.
The team also engineered mice to lack the DREAM complex; this was a challenging task since each constituent protein has a unique role, and the entire complex is crucial for cell division early in development. Mice without it would not survive.
To navigate this challenge, they employed a drug-induced genetic strategy to deactivate the DREAM genes when the mice reached 8 weeks of age. The knockout mice exhibited 20% fewer deletion and insertion mutations in brain cells compared to their normal counterparts as they aged, though Ideker notes that the disruption to their lifespan didn’t reflect a significant extension. “The experimental design may not have been suited to uncover that,” he admits. “We now aim to conduct a more conclusive experiment linking it to extended lifespan.”
Despite this, Ideker believes the amassed evidence paints a clear picture. “Our findings indicate that DREAM plays a crucial role in aging and is indeed a significant factor in the accumulation of lifelong mutations,” he asserts.
“These are groundbreaking and significant findings,” remarks JoeãO Pedro de Magalhães from the University of Birmingham, UK. “The data from their mouse studies indicate a causal connection between DREAM and mutation levels,” he notes; however, the researchers haven’t yet established a direct causal link with aging. “To prove this, we must demonstrate that mice exhibiting low mutation rates also enjoy increased lifespans.”
This illustrates why the theory that mutation accumulation is a key factor in aging remains unproven. Advocates like Ideker reference conditions such as Progeria, wherein individuals age prematurely due to compromised DNA repair mechanisms. Others, including de Magalhães, cite a lack of evidence that simply accumulating mutations is a driver of typical aging, although it does correlate with heightened cancer risk.
Even should DREAM complexes prove instrumental in aging, their multifaceted functions complicate the development of treatments. “Achieving a total loss of DREAM functionality, as we have done, may be too drastic,” advises team member ZANE KOCH from UCSD. “Mildly suppressing DREAM could be the optimal approach for extending lifespans.”
As the Trump administration winds down its recent medical research funding initiatives, there have been ongoing concerns among scientists and administrators at the National Institutes of Health regarding Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s level of autonomy as the director of the institution.
The government’s efficiency project, championed by Elon Musk to reduce costs, has impacted decisions related to the cancellation or postponement of research grants. Some initiatives have also been adversely affected by President Trump’s confrontation with universities over anti-Semitism. However, during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, Dr. Bhattacharya had a chance to clarify his influence at the NIH but opted not to take ownership of the institution’s longstanding fundraising efforts.
When questioned about the freeze on grant payments to Northwestern University, Dr. Bhattacharya remarked, “That occurred before my tenure,” referring to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
He emphasized that the proposal to cut the NIH budget to $18 billion (a nearly 40% reduction) stemmed from “congress-administrator collaboration,” and he refrained from elaborating on how these cuts might impact institutions.
Further funding cuts were necessitated by rising research costs—an action integrated into the administration’s 2026 budget proposal. Dr. Bhattacharya mentioned ongoing litigation, stating, “I don’t want to delve into it.”
Several Democrats on the committee expressed confusion regarding the decision-making process at the agency.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, asked, “Who is withholding these funds?” citing evidence that the NIH reduced grants by billions compared to the previous year. “Is it you? Is it the OMB?” she inquired, referencing the Office of Management and Budget. “Who makes these decisions?”
Dr. Bhattacharya responded, “There are many various decisions. For instance, it was his choice to pivot from what is termed ‘politicized science,’ a phrase he previously used to describe research concerning diversity and equity issues. However, he asserted that restricting research funding at Harvard and other prominent institutions was in “collaboration with the administration.”
Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois reacted sharply after Dr. Bhattacharya distanced himself from the decisions regarding funding for the halted study at Northwestern.
An email from an NIH staff member in mid-April, weeks post Dr. Bhattacharya’s confirmation, instructed employees to refrain from issuing grants to Northwestern and various other universities, without notifying them of the reasons for the funding freeze.
“The buck stops at your office,” Durbin said to Dr. Bhattacharya. “Don’t shift the blame.”
The Trump administration’s plans for significant spending cuts at the agency have drawn criticism from both parties, including Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine.
She told Dr. Bhattacharya that the proposed cuts are “very intrusive,” warning that they could delay or halt the development of effective treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and type 1 diabetes, potentially leaving the U.S. “lagging behind China.”
In response, Dr. Bhattacharya noted that the NIH is engaged in Alzheimer’s and other disease research and will collaborate with lawmakers to address “the health needs of all Americans.”
The director hinted at a possible agreement between the Trump administration and major universities regarding the restoration of medical research funding, yet he did not offer details on the prospects of such an agreement or its prerequisites. “I am very hopeful for a resolution with the universities regarding the grants that have been suspended,” he stated.
In recent years, the NIH has abruptly terminated over 1,300 grant awards and postponed funding for more than 1,000 additional projects. On Monday, numerous NIH employees signed a letter asserting that these actions were dictated by ideological biases and lacked input from scientific staff, effectively suppressing research on health disparities, COVID-19, climate change, and the impacts on sexual health.
On Tuesday, Dr. Bhattacharya stated that scientists have established a process for appealing against funding reductions, and the agency intends to file appeals within weeks.
dOnaldo Trump’s re-entry into the White House has triggered a swift increase in defense spending as European leaders distance themselves from the US, marking a “turning point” in continental security. The new push for European independence could resonate further across the globe.
The aspiration for greater autonomy in Europe also translates into a greater demand for advancements in space technology, states Josef Aschbacher, director of the European Space Agency (ESA), which oversees space exploration initiatives among European nations, including those in the EU and much of the UK.
“There are numerous areas in space where Europe seeks to enhance its autonomy, particularly in an increasingly unstable geopolitical climate,” Aschbacher mentioned in an interview with the Guardian in London. “The landscape has shifted dramatically.”
Human interest in space is at an all-time high. We are currently witnessing a Second Space Race, with governments and private entities leveraging significant advancements in satellites, sensors, and, crucially, rockets. Analysts predict a growth trajectory for the industry to reach $100 million, akin to today’s airline industry, with expected surges in global observation, communication, and potentially space tourism. Increased military expenditure under Trump may further accelerate the push for advanced surveillance technologies.
However, Aschbacher emphasizes the importance of continued investment in scientific endeavors that forward humanity’s interests, which include projects like laser-based wind speed measurements, climate monitoring satellites, and the Euclidean telescope aimed at unraveling the enigma of dark matter.
For decades, collaboration with the US has been pivotal for European space science. ESA partners with American agencies, contributing to everything from astronaut missions on the International Space Station to the James Webb Telescope exploring the universe’s early radiation, as well as the Artemis program, which aims to revisit the Moon. Aschbacher oversees a budget of €7.7 billion (£6.4 billion) this year but is dwarfed by NASA’s budget of $25.4 billion (£19.6 billion).
Trump’s return raises uncertainties around the continuity of this cooperation, particularly if the US implements abrupt funding cuts to NASA.
Elon Musk adds further complexity. His SpaceX could become the primary driver in significantly reducing launch costs, thanks to its reusable Falcon 9 rocket. However, Musk’s controversial approach under Trump raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest as a primary NASA contractor. Trump’s decision to forgo billionaire Jared Isaacman, who was a fully paid SpaceX-supported NASA leader, has led Musk to criticize Artemis in favor of his vision to send humans to Mars.
European nations are also striving to reduce their reliance on SpaceX’s Starlink, a network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Starlink has established a massive LEO constellation, providing reliable internet in remote regions and has become crucial for military communications in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX will launch Bandwagon-3 in April. Photo: Joe Marino/Upi/Rex/Shutterstock
When questioned about Musk’s influence, Aschbacher refrained from discussing “the internal politics of the United States and how these decisions might be affected.”
ESA is committed to its planned projects, including the construction of Orion capsules for astronaut transport, asserting, “We are optimistic that the collaboration with the US on the Artemis program will continue.”
“If changes occur, and if a US partner alters its plans, of course, we have a Plan B ready,” Aschbacher stated. “We are certainly enhancing our autonomy and capabilities. However, now is not the moment to discuss Plan B, as Plan A remains active.”
Nevertheless, ESA is also exploring partnerships with other nations that could support “Plan B.” Aschbacher pointed to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and India as potential collaborators.
SpaceX asserted its dominance last month when the Dragon Capsule safely returned four individuals. Two had been stranded at the International Space Station due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner craft.
Europe has depended on SpaceX to launch segments of its Galileo satellite navigation system following the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket. Both systems are operated by Arianespace, and the Vega C grounding is co-owned by Airbus and Safran. This led to a “crisis launch,” which was finally resolved with the inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 rocket last year.
ESA is now focused on encouraging more launch competitors for the upcoming generation, emphasizing reusable rockets to replicate SpaceX’s cost-effectiveness. According to Aschbacher, one ESA-led initiative, the Prometheus Engine, is projected to launch in “a handful” of years. Other European private firms are also entering the race, including Augsburg, a German startup rocket manufacturer.
Once everything is on track, launches could also take place from the UK, reducing ESA’s dependence on space facilities in French Guiana, South America. Aschbacher mentioned that developing British spacecraft, especially in Shetland, is another positive development. The ESA, funded by 23 member states but not affiliated with the EU, shows that Brexit has not hindered the UK’s commitment, although the Copernicus Climate Satellite program has faced disruptions.
While ESA’s primary mission is to peacefully explore space, its potential military applications may facilitate increased funding from member states in November to cover gaps left by the US.
Nevertheless, Aschbacher is a scientist at heart. He studied natural sciences at Innsbruck University and joined ESA in 1990, eventually leading the Earth Observation Department. He acknowledged that space technology is integral to enabling numerous security needs for European countries but emphasized the importance of ongoing investment in science.
The astronauts inaugurated a new Luna facility at the European Astronaut Center in Cologne, Germany, founded by Thomas Pesquet of France and Matthias Maurer of Germany. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP
He likened investment in space to fundamental research that enabled scientists to develop COVID vaccines at remarkable speed during the pandemic.
“European investments in space must rise to ensure that the quality of life and living standards for Europeans are sustained,” he remarked. “Science is Europe’s strength. This is why economic progress and development can indeed accelerate.”
Last year presented significant challenges for Acadia Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of mental health services.
A New York Times investigation in September revealed that multiple federal agencies were looking into accusations of Acadia unlawfully detaining patients in mental health hospitals. This led to a sharp decline in Acadia’s stock value and rattled investors.
Despite these troubles, Acadia’s CEO, Christopher Hunter, benefitted from the situation. As indicated in the recent financial report, he received a $1.8 million bonus from the board to deal with the “unprecedented government inquiries.” This bonus was on top of his regular compensation, exceeding $7 million in 2024.
Other top executives at Acadia, including the CFO and Legal Advisor, also received substantial bonuses, with the COO promised a bonus as well. These bonuses were given to prevent key leaders from leaving before the investigation was concluded, according to Acadia.
The board of directors at Acadia believed that retaining the current leadership team was in the best interest of the company, its patients, and communities. They emphasized the use of peer market data for evaluating performance and benchmarking.
The Times investigation uncovered that Acadia had been holding patients against their will to maximize insurance payments. This practice had started before Hunter took over as CEO in April 2022 but continued under his leadership.
Following the allegations, Acadia stated that they would vehemently deny fraud and cooperate with the investigation. Hunter assured investors that the claims of holding patients longer than necessary were false and contradicted their commitment to patient care.
After the investigation was initiated, Acadia disclosed that various government agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, were investigating the matter. Additionally, shareholders filed a class action lawsuit against the company, accusing them of withholding information from investors.
Issues were also uncovered in other areas of Acadia, such as a methadone clinic overbilling the government for services not rendered. Inadequate staffing levels at one of the company’s women’s facilities led to tragic incidents, as reported by The Times.
Since September, Acadia’s market value has plummeted by approximately $5 billion, now valued at around $2 billion.
Hunter’s compensation is tied to Acadia’s stock performance, but the company’s stock decline in 2024 caused him to miss his targets. Critics, like Sarah Anderson from the Institute of Policy Research, argue that linking compensation to stock prices can incentivize risky behavior and undermine performance.
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.
When Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was about to take the stage, the governor of the Gila River Indian community was still addressing the audience, expressing concerns about recent Trump administration actions.
Governor Stephen Law Lewis emphasized the importance of tribes having a political stance and urged for a more thoughtful approach to government efficiency cuts, rather than a drastic one.
Kennedy was on his Healthy Tour of America in the Southwest states, with his latest stop at the Gila River Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino in Arizona to participate in The Tribal Self Governance Conference.
The 1975 law allowed native communities to develop programs based on their cultural needs, marking a shift from federal administration. Kennedy’s dedication to improving tribal health stems from his family history and personal experiences.
However, recent decisions within Kennedy’s agency have raised concerns among tribal leaders regarding the support for Indigenous communities in the face of health challenges.
Kennedy assured tribal leaders that certain health services for Native Americans would be exempt from recent executive orders. He engaged in discussions on strategies to address health issues within tribal communities.
Kennedy emphasized the need to address the root causes of health crises in tribal communities, particularly focusing on the food system. He also shared plans to implement “robot nurses” in Indigenous groups, which was met with mixed reactions from the crowd.
His extensive work advocating for Indigenous communities dates back to the 1990s, highlighting a commitment to supporting native groups in various negotiations and initiatives.
Kennedy pledged to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous leaders in accessing high-quality healthcare. The discussion also touched on the need to build confidence in vaccines among Native American communities.
Kennedy’s tour included visits to healthcare facilities serving Native Americans, as well as outreach to tribal groups to address their unique health concerns.
He defended his agency’s response to a measles outbreak during a press conference, highlighting the importance of effective public health initiatives.
A former EU leader in the technology sector alleges that the EU attempted to prevent the owner of Company X from meeting with the co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party, branding Elon Musk as “outrageous.” He accused, “You’re lying.”
Thierry Breton, who spearheaded the passing of ambitious legislation to regulate big tech and stepped down as European commissioner in September, claimed that the EU was striving to censor Musk’s scheduled meeting with Alice Weidel. He asserted that it was deceitful to suggest otherwise.
The US billionaire asserted on his social media platforms: “First, the EU tried to hinder my online conversation with President @realDonaldTrump. Now they are trying to block people from hearing my discussion with Alice Weidel, a potential future German chancellor. It appears that these individuals truly detest democracy.”
His tweet referred to a letter Breton sent to Musk prior to a similar discussion with Donald Trump in August. In the letter, Breton reminded Musk of his responsibilities under the Digital Services Act (DSA) not to enable the “amplification of harmful content.”
Following Musk’s announcement of his intention to interview Weidel, whose party holds a 19% approval rating and is anti-immigration, Breton issued a similar caution to Weidel via a social media post. “I reached out to him, but it appears to have been a stunt.” This led to accusations against Musk on Wednesday.
In an interview with the Guardian, Breton stated: “[Musk] is trying to portray the EU as stifling conversations. We are distorting information here.”
When asked if Musk could be lying, Breton responded: “No one attempted to prevent him from speaking to Trump, or to Germany.”
The Frenchman mentioned that he has always had a positive and constructive relationship with Musk in person.
X did not provide any comments. Musk recently criticized Breton as “annoying,” and in August referenced a quote from the satirical film Tropic Thunder, telling the then-commissioner to “take a big step back and literally defecate on himself.”
The dispute is the latest in a series instigated by Musk in recent weeks, including hostile remarks towards British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, provoking outrage across Europe.
Breton called on leaders to denounce the propagation of misinformation and hatred. “Leadership is crucial, especially in these times. Europe can only thrive with strong leadership.”
X is currently under investigation by the European Commission under the DSA, partly initiated by Breton. The company mentioned that it is “collaborating with the regulatory process” and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive platform for all users while safeguarding freedom of expression.
Insiders indicated that the verdict was expected in the fall of 2023, but X needed time to prepare a legal defense. Some anticipated that conclusions would be disclosed soon.
Breton declined to address the investigation but emphasized that the DSA is not intended to silence critics or curb the freedom of speech cherished by all European democracies. He reiterated that such a notion does not exist.
“Freedom of speech is of utmost importance in Europe, vital for democracy across all member states, and non-negotiable for the Court of Justice,” he affirmed.
However, he emphasized that it operates within a legal framework that also prohibits anti-Semitic remarks, racist hate speech, and terrorism apologists, which tech companies must be cautious of.
“These are forbidden by law in physical spaces, on streets, in media, and now in the digital realm,” he stated, pointing out that social media companies, unlike traditional media, wield immense power to disseminate content to audiences and must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it.
Hello. Welcome to Techscape. After enduring the recent impact of COVID-19, I’ve been reflecting on screen time and isolation. Just a few days of isolation and prolonged screen exposure were enough to bring back the mental state I experienced for most of 2020. Wishing everyone a wonderful winter and a happy new year filled with family, friends, and joyous gatherings.
Today on Techscape: A recap of the biggest tech story of 2024 – Elon Musk and the US Amazon worker strike.
Technology in 2024: Elon Musk as Influential as Donald Trump
Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk, who arrived to watch SpaceX’s giant rocket Starship take off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 19th. Photo: Brandon Bell/AP
The significant tech story of the year is Elon Musk’s meteoric rise to power and global influence in 2024. Musk has become the most prominent individual worldwide without winning any elections. He holds sway over the US President and exerts control over vital government bodies regulating his companies, which have become crucial to many countries’ digital infrastructure. His enormous wealth makes US lawmakers uneasy, and his tweets impact leaders globally.
Since Trump’s presidency, Musk has wielded his influence boldly by shaping government decisions. His recent clash with the House of Representatives over a spending deal highlighted tensions in US politics. Despite his and Trump’s efforts, Republicans resisted their demands, pointing to the limits of CEO power and foreshadowing 2025’s potential chaos. Democrats mocked Musk as “President Elon Musk,” hinting at the escalating power struggle.
As political storms rage, it’s crucial to contemplate Musk’s rapid ascendancy in American politics and the implications it holds. Let’s delve into his timeline of events throughout the year, revealing Musk’s inevitable dominion over 2024 akin to Trump’s reign from 2015 to 2021, setting global news agendas with their actions.
Nvidia, the AI chip maker that is the world's most valuable company and the driving force behind the artificial intelligence boom, delighted investors on Wednesday with new quarterly results.
The company's corporate value soared by $2.2 trillion this year to $3.6 trillion on the back of nearly doubling chip sales, but sales fell to $35.08 billion, compared to expectations of $33.15 billion. It was announced that it was worth $1,000,000. Profits more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Sales increased by 94% compared to the same period last year. The company predicted a 70% increase in revenue for the next quarter.
Analysts had expected NVIDIA to report earnings of $0.75 per share. The company reported $0.81. Nvidia stock fell about 5% in extended trading following the announcement, but quickly recovered its losses and maintained a similar price. The previous New York closing price was $145.89.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a press release last week that he expects the computing power driving advances in generative AI to increase “a million times” over the next decade.
Huang said on the earnings call that the global adoption of Nvidia technology is causing a platform shift from coding to machine learning, and traditional data centers are being re-architected for machine learning to produce AI. said.
“Generative AI is not just a new software feature, it’s a new industry with AI factories producing digital intelligence, a new industrial revolution with the potential to create a multi-trillion dollar AI industry,” he said. .
“AI is transforming every industry, business, and country,” Huang added. “Creating an omniverse of synthetically generated data…the era of robotics is here.”
A surge in demand for Nvidia's Blackwell GPU chips appears to have eased fears that the company would be hit by a backlash in demand from tech giants, which are spending billions of dollars on AI processing and data centers. .
Nvidia stock has rebounded from its summer slump and is up 45% from its August lows. Semiconductor stocks are up nearly 200% this year, more than 1,100% over the past two years, and hit a record high after the election.
However, many of NVIDIA's chipmakers are struggling to compete with the advantages of AI, which is holding the industry back.
Before the results were released, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said he expected more “drop-the-mic performance” from Nvidia, adding that “it's expected to generate more than $1 trillion in the next few years.” “This is the only game in the city where AI capital investment is planned.” Nvidia's GPUs will bring new oil and gold to this world. ”
The world's largest technology companies have increased their spending on AI by billions of dollars in recent quarters, with Nvidia positioned as a major beneficiary.
Nvidia is seen by many as a bellwether for the technology sector and artificial intelligence demand that helped propel Wall Street to multiple record highs this year.
But the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, the threat of global tariff hikes by the incoming Donald Trump administration and the possibility that the US Federal Reserve will not lower US interest rates are also spooking markets.
Other analysts echoed Ives' assessment that demand for Nvidia's new Blackwell chips could push Nvidia's sales and market capitalization to new heights. Charu Chanana, Saxo's chief investment strategist, said signs of “extraordinary demand” for new chips, including record sales forecasts and reports of sold-out inventory next year, are strong indicators that Nvidia's strong performance will continue. I wrote that.
But Chanana cautioned that “any signs of production delays or lack of demand could put pressure on the stock given valuation growth.”
Earlier this week, report Chipmakers say their latest graphics chips are having overheating problems with servers. www.theguardian.com
Kneeling in the snow outside the King’s house with a man named Harald and an electric car, imitating a heartthrob from the 1980s is quite an unconventional situation that definitely needs some explanation.
The King of Norway is also named Harald, but the man with me outside the monarch’s mansion in Stavanger is not a king. I’m here to explore Norway’s prominence in adopting electric cars as a solution to combat CO2 emissions from transportation. Norway has emerged as a global leader in this field with a significant percentage of electric cars being sold in recent years.
On the other hand, the UK has extended its ban on new petrol and diesel cars, while the situation in the EU regarding electric car sales remains below par. Stavanger, Norway’s third-largest city, stands out as an oil hub that has made significant strides towards zero-emission transport through initiatives like electric buses and vehicles.
The man accompanying me, Harald Nils Rostvik, an architect and urban planning professor, has been a driving force behind Norway’s electric vehicle revolution for decades. His pioneering efforts date back to the introduction of one of Norway’s first electric cars in 1989, marking the beginning of a journey towards sustainable transportation.
IIn 1983, former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland spearheaded the Brundtland Commission, which laid the foundation for sustainable development and environmental awareness. Rostvik’s advocacy for electric vehicles and civil disobedience campaigns with environmental activists like Morten Halkett and Mags Furholmen, members of the iconic pop group a-ha, reshaped the narrative around electric cars in Norway.
Their efforts, including importing one of the country’s first electric cars, paved the way for a shift towards greener transportation methods. Despite facing challenges and fines for their activism, their perseverance and innovative spirit contributed to Norway’s evolving landscape of electric mobility.
(from left) Morten Halkett, Harald Nils Rostvik, Frederik Hauge, Mags Furholmen.
The legacy of their early advocacy continues to shape Norway’s EV landscape, with ambitious goals of achieving 100% electric car sales by next year. The collaborative efforts of individuals like Rostvik and prominent figures like Halkett have been instrumental in driving Norway towards a sustainable future of zero-emission transport.
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