NASA chief: US to return to Moon during Trump’s second term

NASA – Newly named NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the United States plans to return to the Moon during President Donald Trump’s current second term.

• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirms US will return to the Moon, emphasizing lunar opportunities and orbital economy growth.

• Plans include Moon base, Helium-3 mining, nuclear propulsion, and partnerships with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing for Artemis.

Newly-confirmed NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said “we’re just months away from sending American astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than half a century.”

“We’re going to want to get there, start the development of our lunar base, so I would say that’s of… pic.twitter.com/hxQglWNVSL

— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 18, 2025

Speaking on CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime,” Isaacman highlighted the space agency’s dedication to lunar missions, aligning with Trump’s vision, and emphasized the Moon’s strategic importance for developing the emerging “orbital economy.”

The new NASA chief’s remarks came shortly after his confirmation by the Senate, following a complex nomination process that began in December 2024.

Initially nominated by Trump, Isaacman’s appointment was briefly derailed due to unspecified concerns related to his ties with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. However, he was nominated again last month.

Isaacman highlighted the potential for lunar opportunities, including establishing space data centres and infrastructure, as well as mining Helium-3, a rare gas on the moon’s surface that could serve as fuel for fusion power.

He also mentioned plans for building a “moon base” and investing in nuclear power and space nuclear propulsion to expedite NASA’s exploration efforts.

OpenAI, Anthropic temporarily raise Codex and Claude usage limits for Christmas

The world-class US aerospace giant is also collaborating with contractors like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing for its Artemis programme, which aims to prepare for future Mars missions.

The Artemis II mission, featuring crewed test flights, is expected to take off soon, followed by the Artemis III mission, for which SpaceX is developing the lunar landing system.

Advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicles and on-orbit cryogenic propellant transfer will make lunar missions more affordable and frequent, paving the way for future explorations to Mars and beyond.