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NASA says U.S. 'absolutely back' in space race and aims for the Moon
Summary
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the U.S. is on an achievable path to return to the Moon, with near-monthly robotic missions to the lunar south pole planned to begin in 2027 and crewed missions anticipated in 2027–2028 as part of a push toward a lunar base and eventual Mars missions.
Content
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the United States is "absolutely on an achievable path" to return astronauts to the Moon and to build a lunar base. He credited the Artemis program and federal support, including the Working Family Tax Cut Act and national space policy, as enabling that direction. Isaacman described a timeline that includes near-monthly robotic missions to the Moon's south pole beginning in 2027 and crewed missions planned in 2027 and 2028. He said those missions would test mobility, power, navigation and in‑situ resource use as groundwork for longer-term plans toward Mars.
Key points:
- Jared Isaacman described the U.S. as "absolutely on an achievable path" to return to the Moon and build a lunar base.
- NASA plans a near-monthly cadence of robotic missions to the Moon's south pole starting in 2027, according to Isaacman.
- Crewed lunar missions are planned for 2027 and 2028, as stated by the administrator.
- Isaacman credited the Artemis program and cited federal resources and policy as supporting the plan, including a reference to the Working Family Tax Cut Act.
- The lunar campaign is presented as preparation for testing systems and techniques needed for future Mars missions.
- The article notes that China has signaled ambitions to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, framing a competitive context.
Summary:
The timeline described by NASA leadership sets robotic lunar operations to begin in 2027 with crewed follow-ups in 2027–2028, tied to goals of establishing a sustained presence on the Moon. Those activities are presented as stepping stones for future missions to Mars. The next public milestones cited are the start of near-monthly robotic missions in 2027.
