Wait-a-Minute!
Image credit: Barbara David
There is increasing angst in the ranks of NASA space explorers about the overall future health and vitality of the agency.
For example, The Planetary Society recently put out a 911 emergency dispatch about reported cuts to NASA that “would amount to an ‘extinction event’ for space science and exploration.
“The Planetary Society is deeply alarmed by reports that the White House will propose a 50% cut to NASA’s science activities in the upcoming agency budget request.”
Trump’s pick to run NASA
It’s a wait-a-minute moment given President Trump’s pick to run NASA – Jared Isaacman, an American entrepreneur, philanthropist and commander of two SpaceX Dragon capsule sojourns into Earth orbit.
Piloting his way to NASA, Jared Isaacman.
Image credit: Jared Isaacman
Back in early December 2024, Isaacman “X-tolled” President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Administrator of NASA. “Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history,” he posted.
A February 18 communiqué from the nominee had him flying himself back to Washington, D.C. to “continue NASA confirmation prep” that night. “I am grateful to President Trump for this chance to give back to the nation that enabled me to live the American dream.”
Image credit: White House
Work in progress
Meanwhile, the ongoing steps taken by President Trump’s administration to transform and reduce in size the federal workforce is work in progress.
The topsy-turvy action plan includes the work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory group to modernize and perk up the effectiveness of the federal government. DOGE is led by billionaire Elon Musk, the SpaceX chief rocketeer, portrayed by some as a controversial and confusing undertaking.
NASA’s Acting Administrator, Janet Petro, has requested space agency employees “to lean into this opportunity” as the DOGE seeks to maximize efficiencies. She is a former director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Image credit: NASA
Travel allowance
So Isaacman’s confirmation to get decision-making underway at NASA appears to be urgent.
SpaceX Starships exploding, Artemis rebooting of the Moon plans pending, Mars sample return decision-making, as well as other NASA agenda items in flux – things are stacking up.
On March 12, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee Executive Session to consider nominations and legislation – but as of this writing, not Isaacman.
Along with other lawmaker Acts — such as a Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 and a Romance Scam Prevention Act — Cruz is to back his Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act. That legislation would provide transportation of government astronauts before they receive medical clearance to drive.
Perhaps the Act might have a proviso to move Isaacman into NASA’s driver’s seat in short-order?
Wait-a-Minute!
Image credit: Barbara David