NASA largely resisted this change for much of the remainder of the Trump administration, leaving its core group of major contractors like Boeing and Lockheed Martin in place. It received help from key U.S. senators, including Richard Shelby, the now retired Republican from Alabama. But this time, the push for change is likely to be more coordinated, especially as key elements of NASA's architecture, including the Space Launch System rocket, are being bypassed by privately developed rockets such as SpaceX's Starship vehicle and the New Glenn rocket from Blue Origin.
Not one, but both
In all likelihood, NASA will adopt a new 'Artemis' plan that includes initiatives for both the moon and Mars. When Musk said “we're going straight to Mars,” he may have meant that this would be SpaceX's thrust, with support from NASA. That doesn't rule out a separate initiative, possibly led by Blue Origin with help from NASA, to develop plans for the moon's return.
Isaacman, who has been keeping a relatively low profile in the run-up to his nomination, has not responded to Musk's comments. However, when his appointment was announced a month ago, he did make a relevant comment about X.
'I was born after the moon landings; my children were born after the last Space Shuttle launch,” he wrote. “With President Trump's support, I can promise you this: We will never again lose our ability to travel to the stars or settle for second place. We will inspire children, yours and mine, to look up and dream of what is Americans will walk on the moon and Mars and by doing so we will improve life here on Earth.”
In short, NASA will likely adopt a two-way strategy to reach both the moon and Mars. Whether the space agency will be successful with either will be a key question asked of the new administration.
