Washington: NASA has outlined three key priorities for its future strategy, with Administrator Jared Isaacman saying the agency is focused on returning humans to the Moon by 2028, establishing a long-term presence there, and expanding commercial activity in low-Earth orbit.
Testifying before the House Science Committee, Isaacman said the top priority is to land American astronauts on the lunar surface within the next four years. “Our top priority is to land American astronauts on the Moon by 2028,” he said, adding that the goal aligns with national space policy and is aimed at reinforcing US leadership in the global space race.
He said the agency is placing greater emphasis on partnerships between the government and private companies to support a sustained human presence on the Moon. Plans are being developed to build a lunar base, including infrastructure such as landers, rovers, power systems and communication networks.
NASA is also looking to expand commercial opportunities in low-Earth orbit by encouraging industry participation in areas such as private space stations, satellite services and astronaut payload missions.
The strategy marks a shift toward more targeted investments, moving away from large, high-cost projects. “We can’t afford to keep pursuing projects that are too expensive but hard to succeed. We have to focus on results,” Isaacman said.
