Real Time NASAWatch Quotes From Jared Isaacman’s Confirmation Hearing
Keith’s note: the following are the realtime social media quotes I posted on @NASAWatch regarding the salient points of today’s confirmation hearing for Jared Isaacman. And yes, he said that reads NASAWatch. (sigh) I’m never going to retire, am I?
Q: @SenTedCruz: NASA is at a cross roads has transformed celestial economic landsape – no longer exclusive domain of countries and legacy contractors. The future of final frontier has never been more uncertain. Space is the ultimate high ground a nation that dominates can deny access to things to others. CCP has been explicit in its desire to dominate space. Rovers on farside of moon and they have a fully functional space station.
We are not headed for the next space race. It is already here. I strongly support presidents vision for Mars. We cannot abandon american dominance where it is already established. ISS services a hub for research and testing. We will have to retire it – before that happens must put necessary systems for American astronauts continually in LEO. We cannot surrender LEO to China or Russia.
I am worried about a Red Moon and ceding things to China for decades to come. It would be a mistake to say to China “the Moon is yours, America will not lead”.
Q: @SenatorCantwell – the space race is heating up. You need to make sure we do not lose in that space race. This includes the Artemis program. With 40 companies across state of Washington we have 2,000 employees only working on #Artemis program – Gateway, crewed lunar lander, SLS, and Orion.
NASA is a top R&D organization – in aerospace, AI, quantum, and next gen manufacturing. I have concerns about press reports where Administration will come down on investments. Worried about changes to Artemis – possibly SLS termination – experts say that Americans will not get to the Moon by the end of the decade. I agree with the Chairman, I also want to win the race and that China does not beat us to Mars and that we should beat them to the Moon.
I am worried about DOGE layoffs to science – up to $420 million in #NASA contracts have been canceled. How does this impact many NASA Organizations. The NASA Chief Scientist, Chief Technologist and Chief Economist have their last day at work tomorrow. Science may be cut by half. I am worried about all these things and look forward to your views.
Q: @TimSheehyMT I have known @rookisaacman for years – both dreamed of being astronauts as children. All american should be proud of NASA. The sacrifices made by astronauts is well known. Behind them is a massive team who are ture heroes of our space program. A leader needs to believe in the mission but also needs to have interdisciplinary skills. NASA has been struggling for several decades. Since Columbia NASA has been a struggling organization full of great people searching for revival. In light of Starliner that left Astronauts stuck in space. President Musk and Elon Musk knew it was time for a change. Jared and I share a passion – pediatric philanthropy. NAS presents a moral obligation to lead in the greatest frontier ever known. Jared understands complex organizations but also knows how to design complicated systems and fly space ships. NASA needs fresh bold leadership.
Q: @SenTedCruz: Threat from China is very real. China intends to become world’s pre-eminent space power. This is an incredible danger to US prosperity and security. Human on Moon in 2030 and permanent on Moon with Russia by 2035. If China beats us to the moon what consequences will america face.
A: @Rookisaacman – if we loose we will be following forever. Helium 3 could shift power situation on Earth. We cannot cede the high ground.
Q: @SenTedCruz: (holds up poster showing American astronauts on the Moon on the left and Chinese astronauts on the Moon on the right) You told me in my office if President Trump sees Chinese astronauts on the Moon before Americans I would be fired that day. Seems to be disconnect between testimony with your prepared statement – will y ou make a commitment
A: @Rookisaacman If we can concentrate our resources we do not need to make a binary Moon/Mars decision and can do them both in parallel.
Q: @SenTedCruz: Moon as a stepping stone to Mars is in law. Do you think NASA can stand up a full mission to the Moon and Mars simultaneously
A: @Rookisaacman Yes I think we can do that. We went from ALan Shepard’s suborbital flight and Apollo 11 8 years later. Do I think we can do that? Yes.
Q: @SenTedCruz: Will you agree that China will not beat us on the Moon – the first woman will step on the Moon and that she will neb America
Q: @SenatorCantwell do you think that you will need to shut down any of #NASA’s 10 centers?
A: @rookisaacman have not been briefed in all of these things yet (no answer)
Q: @SenatorCantwell The more you can explain things the more support you get but the more that #DOGE slashes it there will be doubts. Should there be a RIF or cut in science budgets.
A: @Rookisaacman like everyone else I read what is on @NASAWatch … as a space enthusiast – I want my daughters to see an American walk on the Moon – I do not think it is ‘either or’.
Q: @AndyKimNJ: I need to get a clear idea what you mean by going back to the Moon. What else is on your mind beyond Helium-3. What are scientific etc. priorities when it comes to going to Mars vis a vis a presence on the Moon. Do you think we can do Moon and Mars on NASA’s current budget?
A: @Rookisaacman We need to get back there (to the Moon). All the best SciFi movies have Helium-3 as a justifying presence in space. I hope we have lots of space stations, Moon and Mars outposts. Yes, I think we can do both – and also develop a thriving low Earth orbit economy.
Q: @AndyKimNJ: What about the ISS timeline?
A: @Rookisaacman We need to maximize its remaining life – not bring it down any sooner than planned and hand it off to commercial follow-on space stations. If we do not figure out how to support a thriving space economy then everything will be funded by the government.
Q: @AndyKimNJ: What can NASA do that commercial actors cannot?
A: @Rookisaacman Well – NASA should takes on near-impossible tasks – like nuclear propulsion – no provate sector would take that on alone.
Q: @amyklobuchar Asked about STEM, education
A: @Rookisaacman It is fundamental requirement for NASA to inspire the next generation and the best way to do that is to complete its missions – go back to the Moon and then on Mars. NASA is a force multiplier for science. We want students hands on experience. NASA can lend its expertise and get academic institutions to contribute so that students can join the greatest space agency in the world.
Q: @amyklobuchar Will you be an advocate for science within the Administration?
A: @Rookisaacman I do think that the President is interested in ushering in a new era of science and exploration. I’d love nothing moe than to see NASA to go out and explore the universe.
Q: @JerryMoran: is SLS the best way to get to the Moon and Mars
A: @Rookisaacman best way to get astronauts there soon but perhaps not the best long term solution.
Q: @SenGaryPeters do you think that NASA can do all these things with the prospect of budget cuts at NASA? How do you plan to accelerate Mars missions and protect it frombudget cuts.
A: @Rookisaacman Not familiar with what budgets are being contemplated – since 1989 presidents have called for Moon and Mars. I will roll up my sleeve and figure out challenges, clear the obstacles and proceed on doing the mission and get the inspiration going and inspire the next generation.
Q: @SenGaryPeters have you spoken with Elon Musk about how you’d run NASA?
A: @Rookisaacman No.
Q: @SenGaryPeters will you take steps to make sure Musk does not exert undue influence over NASA contracts?
A: @Rookisaacman I want to be clear my loyalty to the agency and their world changing missions. They are contractors they work for us not the other way around.
Q: @MarshaBlackburn – greatest area competition with Russia, CHina, Iran
A: @Rookisaacman competition can be good – as long as we do not lose especially with the high ground of space.
Q: @SenDanSullivan Are you familiar with the movie “The Martian”? How can NASA better convey these things to inspire Americans?
FYI @rookisaacman I think it is a fundamental obligation of NASA to want to grow up an d become scientists and engineers. Nothing will get that to happen faster than to see Americans on The Moon and Mars. (If nominated) We could do a much better job on emphasizing things – NASA has over 300 media channels, I think we could narrow that down and focus on quality content over quantity – narrow the @NASA channels so as to get people want to join and support #NASA.
Q: @ToddYoungIN TRACS system – if confirmed how would NASA coordinate with Dept Commerce and DOD on space traffic management and situational awareness.
A: @Rookisaacman This is a big concern – considered it to be the biggest risk on my missions. There should be a central place where it is all tracked. We need to stop adding to the problem – its the things that we cannot see. Its not the big things its the small fleck of paint traveling at 17,500 MPH – it is eye opening to see what it can penetrate. Need to work with less responsible actors on this issue.
Q; @SenDuckworth asked about stance on supporting the ISS and whether NASA can do both Moon and Mars missions.
A: @Rookisaacman I not think we should deorbit ISS but try and get the most out of it while we have it. I support efforts on the Moon as well as missions to Mars. I think we can do both simultaneously. I think we can do the Moon, Mars, and Beyond.
Q: @SenMarkey question @Rookisaacman about his linked to @ELonMusk and @SpaceX. You met Musk at Mara Lago
A: @Rookisaacman there were dozens of people there – went there to talk to the president about NASA.
Q: @SenMarkey asked multiple times “Was Elon Musk in the room?”
A: @RookisaacmanI was being inteviewed by the President of the United States.
Q: @SenMarkey have you discussed your plans for NASA with Elon Musk
A: @Rookisaacman No I have not.
Q: @SenMarkey asked about Trump administration take down of environmental datasets
A: @Rookisaacman I am very pasionate about the Earth Science Divison at NASA
Q: @SenMarkey will you make a commitment to restore that information
A: @Rookisaacman I have not been made aware of any data deletions.
Q: @SenTedCruz Law is clear that Moon is training ground for Mars. You were reluctant to commit to a sustained human presence on the Moon.
A: @Rookisaacman I think it is imperative that we get back to the Moon as soon as we can
Q: @SenTedCruz What about Gateway?
A: @Rookisaacman I need to get better informed – Gateway is part of many programs that are over budget and behind schedule
Q: @SenTedCruz Obama cancelled Constellation and NASA struggled for years. As administrator are you going to cancel the Gateway program?
A: @Rookisaacman No intention of saying I will cancel anything right now. I need to get into the job. I want to see America win and succeed in space – I do not want to see us come in second place
Q: @SenTedCruz Are you committed to a sustained human presence in cislunar space and on the Moon?
A: @Rookisaacman That is the Law an I am committed to it.
Q: @SenTedCruz NASA is going to retire ISS and replace with commercial stations. Unfortunately everything is behind schedule. Do you agree that we cannot have a gap in American human presence in LEO?
A: @Rookisaacman We cannot cede LEO to the Chinese
Q: @SenTedCruz The premature de-orbit of ISS would be profoundly foolish. Will you commit to sustaining ISS – as long as it is safe – until 2030?
A: @Rookisaacman I will commit to do that and seek to maximize the return from ISS
FYI @rookisaacman You mentioned interest in the potent inspirational abilities of @NASA for the next generation and how #NASA can work to continue and expand that role. You mentioned your daughters’ futures. FYI a poster you may get them 😉 #StarTrekStrangeNewWorlds or the #StarTrekLowerDecks versions. Or both. FYI @AnsonMount @StarTrek #40thspacesymposium
11 responses to “Real Time NASAWatch Quotes From Jared Isaacman’s Confirmation Hearing”
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Well I couldn’t read him too well as an Administrator, but as a person he seemed like many Americans who look upon NASA as the crown jewel of the government. One of the few agencies liked by both Republicans and Democrats and most Americans. He seemed very intelligent, but it was obvious Elon was in the room or he met him along with Trump. Big whoop, who cares? I think his future employees will enjoy his leadership and he isn’t interested in cutting up NASA with an axe. Only my gut feeling, hope he can bring the morale back and tell NASA there will be no major RIF; only RIF through attrition. We already lost 5% with DRP and a retirement boom ahead. No NASA family should need to go through that turmoil IMO.
What makes the NASA family more special and deserving of RIF protection than the CDC, HHS, CFPB, GSA (18F, TTS), DOE, Interior, USAID, …? Are we hoping we’re treated with deference because of Isaacman’s association with Musk and, by extension, DOGE? Are we banking on the violation of long-standing ethics barriers?
My take is Isaacman came out more aggressive and less deferential than I would have imagined and played the “I don’t know anything about that” card more than one would like. His obsession with harkening back to the Apollo era was also odd, given the lack of parallels to today’s NASA expenditures as a percentage of GDP. Maybe there is an impending economic push to counter the Chinese in a space race the likes of which has not been seen since the Cold War? Doubtful.
Equally as depressing, the Senators (including Cruz, who was begging against Artemis’ cancellation, somewhat pathetically), who are supposedly writing and passing budgets, seem to know less about proposed future NASA plans than even Isaacman himself claims to know. I think anyone who believes Isaacman will actually drive policy himself in this era of DOGE are a little delusional.
So, I think NASA is in for a wild ride. None of today’s testimony gives me any more evidence to the contrary. Like Keith, I believe the shoe is just waiting to drop. The NASA community as whole needs to align their mindsets more with the possible (probable?) harsh reality coming.
Answering the very first part of your response: NASA didn’t have the level of corruption, waste, and fraud discovered in those agencies you mentioned. We didn’t test a bunch of transgender mice in space. We didn’t embellish a flu and turn it into a world stopping pandemic for no good reason. We didn’t waste billions on ineffective climate correction approaches.
🤡
No questions about Earth Science? Not even one? Or did you just not tweet about it?
Markey got some response about ESD around time marker 2:21:16 in response to restoring climate datasets promptly (another typical non-answer from Isaacman). https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/senate-commerce-committee-considers-nasa-and-fcc-nominations/658331
Sorry, just saw the entry where you quote him as saying he was “very passionate” about the ESD. Not much one can glean from that, I was hoping somebody would ask him more probing questions about it. I’m disappointed they seemed satisfied with a comment that really provides no insight no real insight.
Hey, if Mr. Isaacman wants to inspire his daughters, NASA produced a nice graphic novel about young women in STEM and…oh…right, never mind.
Ted Cruz made a point to emphatically reiterate that a woman will be included on the future moon landing, yet this administration – with his full support – has forbidden any such discourse, and gone to great lengths to remove that kind of language from across the Federal government.
In my opinion all the jingoistic talk about American dominance in space seems a bit at odds with the Artemis Accords, which seek to build an international partnership to lay the foundation for a human future in space, not just an American one. With all this talk of the American flag, I wonder what Jeremy Hansen was thinking.
I can’t say I love the evading of the question about closing NASA centers! Although I can certainly understand why he wouldn’t comment on it in a confirmation hearing.
Mr. Isaacman (now that we know you read NASA Watch!): NASA has already been woefully understaffed for decades because of difficulty in hiring, lagging pay, and frustrating bureaucracy. We just lost 5% through deferred resignations, and expect to lose more through retirements/attrition.
I was glad to hear Acting Admin Petro suggest that large RIFs aren’t in the plans for NASA right now, but closing centers is a RIF by another name that in my opinion would hit the agency harder. Even if people were offered the chance to relocate/consolidate to another center — which, don’t get me wrong, would be a blessing compared to other agencies right now — NASA would only retain the fraction of the affected workforce who are willing and able to relocate/uproot families/ask spouses to find new jobs. The biggest hit will be to the late-career experts who have the deepest roots where they are, and can better afford to just retire, taking their invaluable institutional knowledge with them, when they might have otherwise continued to mentor their replacements and provide extreme ROI to the agency. That level of chaos can only slow us down, at a time when we need to be speeding up as much as possible to have any hope of delivering on our mission.
I do believe that getting back to the Moon by 2030 is possible, but only if we empower the workforce that we have, not cripple it further. I don’t think you’ll find a single person at the agency who says there’s no improvements to be made — can we please make it possible to buy a $5 wrench without an engineer spending $100 of their time on paperwork for it? I hope you will take a real, in depth look at the very real ways that NASA can be given a much needed streamlining, and if you do I think you’ll agree that center closures just for the sake of cuts/closures is beyond counterproductive with the agency already running on a skeleton crew.
I was pleasantly surprised by your nomination, and I remain optimistic for your term. Ad astra per aspera, but let’s not add more aspera than we have to!
Isaacman gave the right response on ISS (which is not accurately or completely quoted above) “We should plan to maintain a presence in earth orbit. Talk of deorbiting ISS is premature until there is another station in place to replace it. We’ve spent more than a $100 billion on ISS and we ought to get everything out of it we can’.
Since Administrator (or soon to be) Isaacman is reading this right now, I would like to kindly ask that he try and get the word out that the RIF will be the 5-7% that already left (DRP and retirements), coupled with the hiring freeze/attrition reduction as the means to reduce the workforce. That way many NASA employees will gain their morale back and can come to work every day without the constant fear of losing their jobs. No matter how hard you try, that thought weighs on your back and it affects the quality of your work. That goes for everybody who has a job with the federal government right now.