NASA Chief Isaacman Vows Moon Return Within Trump's Term, Targeting $9.9B 'Orbital Economy'

The moon's no longer just a distant rock—it's the next frontier for a multi-billion dollar orbital economy. Jared Isaacman, the newly confirmed NASA Administrator, told CNBC that the U.S. will return to the lunar surface within President Donald Trump's second term.

A Political Journey to the Helm

According to reports, Isaacman's path to leadership was marked by a year-long political saga. Originally nominated in December 2024, Trump briefly pulled his name in May 2025 following a heated feud with Elon Musk, with whom Isaacman is closely allied. After being renominated in November and confirmed just last week, he's now set to lead the charge back to the stars, emphasizing the scientific and national security potential of the moon.

Mining Helium-3 and Building Space Data Centers

The core of this new mission is economic. Isaacman highlighted the potential for mining Helium-3, a rare gas on the lunar surface that could fuel future fusion power. Beyond mining, the plan includes establishing space data centers and nuclear propulsion systems. This infrastructure is seen as essential for making moon missions affordable and frequent, eventually paving the way for Mars.

The Artemis Engine Fueled by $9.9 Billion

The Artemis program is currently supported by a coalition of giants, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing. Momentum increased significantly after the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' allocated $9.9 billion to NASA earlier this year. Isaacman noted that the Artemis II crewed test flight is expected to launch soon, followed by the Artemis III landing mission.