Jared Isaacman Opposes NASA Science Cuts, Champions Artemis Moon Program
NASA administrator nominee Jared Isaacman has voiced his disapproval of proposed deep cuts to NASA’s science budget, calling them far from ideal. In written responses to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee following his confirmation hearing on April 9, Isaacman reaffirmed his support for robust investment in science and space exploration, while making clear his commitment to the Artemis lunar program.
The Senate is expected to vote on Isaacman’s nomination on April 30. His responses, made public on April 24, addressed growing concerns over the White House’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which reportedly includes slashing NASA’s science funding by nearly 50%. Such cuts could terminate key missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Mars Sample Return.
Isaacman, who said he was not involved in drafting the budget proposal, told senators that such a drastic reduction is “not an optimal outcome.” He pledged, if confirmed, to champion strong funding across various science fields—astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth science, and more.
In response to specific questions from Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Isaacman defended the Roman Space Telescope, stating it remains on schedule and within budget, a rare feat among flagship NASA projects. “I see no reason why it should be canceled,” he said, offering his full support for its completion.
Regarding Mars exploration, Isaacman showed openness to innovation, endorsing a proposal to outsource the Mars Sample Return mission to private industry, such as Rocket Lab, with a firm “Yes” when asked by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Despite championing simultaneous efforts for moon and Mars missions, Isaacman made it clear that Artemis would take precedence. “Given current law, I would prioritize the Artemis program,” he stated, though he stressed that managing both objectives is possible, citing NASA’s ability to run Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs concurrently in the 1960s.
He emphasized the importance of addressing systemic delays within Artemis by tackling bureaucratic inefficiencies, misaligned programs, and lack of accountability. His goal, he said, is to “restore a mission-first culture” at NASA.
On the agency’s long-term future, Isaacman backed a gradual shift from NASA-led launches to commercial space systems, allowing NASA to focus on advanced tech development, including nuclear-powered spacecraft.
Isaacman also addressed his ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, asserting they are limited to professional interactions as a SpaceX customer. He dismissed as “1000% false” a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Musk pushed for his NASA nomination. He maintained that the nomination came directly from President Trump through official transition team channels.
He further declined to confirm whether Musk was present during his nomination discussion, stating only: “The person offering me the opportunity was the President himself.”
As Isaacman moves closer to confirmation, his responses reflect a vision for a more agile, science-focused, and commercially integrated NASA—one that continues to push boundaries while staying grounded in practical execution.
