NASA chief: I'm only interested in "good deals" from international partners
Summary
NASA’s leader, Jared Isaacman, said the agency must be careful about its international partnerships as the competition to build bases on the Moon grows. The focus is on the Moon’s south pole, where valuable water ice and sunlight make it a key spot for long-term space missions, including future trips to Mars. NASA wants to work only with partners who bring real benefits to the mission.Key Facts
- NASA sees the Moon’s south pole as the best place for a base because of water ice and sunlight for power.
- Water ice in craters can be used for water, air, and rocket fuel, which helps support a permanent Moon base.
- The south pole has limited "parking spots" that provide access to water ice and near-constant sunlight.
- China and Russia plan to place a nuclear reactor near the south pole, making competition for this area urgent.
- NASA will only partner with other countries if they contribute significantly to the mission.
- NASA’s leader referenced President Trump’s direction to only make good deals with partners, not merely symbolic alliances.
- A good example of a partnership is with Italy, which is investing over $5 billion to develop living quarters for astronauts on the Moon.
- Japan is also investing billions to support NASA’s Moon missions.
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