The Conversation with Dasha Burns NASA’s chief on how we beat China to the moon and beyond
Apr 3, 2026
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator and entrepreneur who led private spaceflights, discusses Artemis-era ambitions. He talks about building a sustained lunar base, using the moon as a testbed for Mars technologies, public-private partnerships with companies like SpaceX, and the geopolitical stakes of lunar competition with China. Short takes on workforce rebuilding, radiation protection, and future orbital economies.
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Moon Base Is The Tech Proving Ground For Mars
- Moon base serves as technology proving ground for Mars missions, notably propellant production and nuclear power.
- Water ice on lunar poles and nuclear reactors will train systems needed to make return propellant on Mars.
Reduce Radiation By Shielding Habitats With Regolith
- Mitigate radiation by minimizing transit time and using shielding strategies on the Moon.
- Plans include covering lunar habitats with regolith to reduce radiation and micrometeorite exposure for long-duration stays.
Human Footprint On Mars Would Transform Public Engagement
- Human missions to Mars have powerful public impact beyond robotic science; presence inspires global attention.
- Robots like Perseverance provide science, but a human footprint would dramatically increase public engagement and perceived destiny.