Latest news with #NationalSpaceSociety
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
No longer in the running to head NASA, Jared Isaacman turns focus to private space missions
Jared Isaacman may no longer have a shot at leading NASA, but that doesn't mean the billionaire and private astronaut is done with space. In one of his first public appearances since President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination for him to be NASA administrator, Isaacman indicated he still has an interest in facilitating private spaceflight missions. The billionaire, who has been to space twice in two previous missions jointly funded with SpaceX, also hasn't ruled out making another cosmic venture now that he'll have more free time on his hands. Isaacman's recent comments came June 21 after he received the National Space Society's Wernher von Braun Award for Polaris Dawn, the private astronaut mission he commanded in September 2024, reported. After a prepared speech, Isaacman also spoke of what his priorities would have been had he been confirmed as NASA administrator. Here's what Isaacman recently discussed, as well as what to know about the billionaire spaceflight enthusiast. In comments after a speech at the National Space Society's conference, Isaacman reportedly indicated his interest in exploring space outside of the agency, according to SpaceNews. Isaacman's comments come at a difficult time for NASA − the agency faces steep budget cuts that can put several exploration missions at risk. Isaacman said in June that as NASA administrator, he would have sought partnerships with academic institutions that would have given such organizations a bigger role in funding. Rather than focusing on human spaceflights missions, Isaacman suggested he's more interested now in bankrolling uncrewed robotic missions. Isaacman's Polaris Dawn mission was intended to be the first of three missions he planned to fund under the Polaris Program. While he set those missions aside when he was nominated to lead NASA, it's unclear just when, or if, he'll pick them back up. But in previous comments on social media, Isaacmen left the door open to going to space again. "I have not flown my last mission," Isaacman said in a post May 31 on social media site X after Trump pulled his nomination to head NASA. "Whatever form that may ultimately take – but I remain incredibly optimistic that humanity's greatest spacefaring days lie ahead." Isaacman, founder of payment processing company Shift4 Payments, has been to space twice under his private spaceflight venture known as the Polaris Program. The most recent expedition drew plenty of headlines in September 2024 when Isaacman flew with an all-civilian crew of amateur spacefarers on a mission he jointly funded with Elon Musk's SpaceX. During the mission, known as Polaris Dawn, the four-member crew ascended to 870 miles above Earth's surface – higher than any crewed vehicle has traveled since NASA's Apollo era ended in the 1970s. Two days into the mission, they became the first non-government astronauts to complete a spacewalk when both Isaacman and crew member Sarah Gillis exited the Dragon capsule separately for about 10 minutes each to take in the endless black expanse of outer space. Isaacman's first trip to space came when he commanded the first all-civilian space crew in 2021 aboard a SpaceX capsule as part of a mission known as Inspiration4. Netflix filmed a documentary about the Inspiration4 mission. By that time, space tourists had already begun taking short trips to the edge of space with companies like Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. But Inspiration4 became known as the world's first all-civilian extended mission to space, with Isaacman, who funded the spaceflight, and three others spending three days living in orbit and conducting research. Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA was well-received by most of the space community and members of Congress. But at a critical time when the U.S. space agency is preparing to return humans to the moon and send the first astronauts to Mars, Trump suddenly pulled Isaacman's bid in late May. The decision came after Isaacman had cleared the Senate Commerce Committee in April and appeared on track for a full Senate vote. Though Trump never offered a concrete reason for the about-face, Isaacman faced some pushback in the Senate for his close ties to Musk at a time when the SpaceX founder was on his way out of the White House. Other reports have suggested Isaacman's past donations to Democrats may have influenced Trumps decision, who said in a statement that "the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump's America First agenda." Trump, who said on Truth Social that he will propose a new nominee, first announced Isaacman's nomination in a December 2024 post, saying, 'Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in space science, technology, and exploration.' NASA has now lacked a full-time administrator since Bill Nelson stepped down on Jan. 20, the day of Trump's inauguration. Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY; Brooke Edwards, FLORIDA TODAY Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Florida Today: After Trump pulls Isaacman NASA bid, billionaire eyes next space mission


Gizmodo
23-06-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Trump Snubbed Jared Isaacman as NASA Chief, but the Private Astronaut Isn't Done With Space Yet
Although Jared Isaacman is out of the running for the position of NASA administrator, the space enthusiast is still very much interested in staying in the game. In a recent appearance, Isaacman revealed he would still like to pursue launching robotic missions to space. This weekend, Isaacman received the National Space Society's Wernher von Braun Award for the privately funded Polaris Dawn mission that he led in September 2024. After his speech, Isaacman spoke of plans he would have executed as NASA administrator, as well as some that the private astronaut is still interested in pursuing outside of the agency, SpaceNews reported. This comes less than a month after President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination of Isaacman to lead NASA in a surprising switch-up that left members of the space community disappointed. In comments to the press, Isaacman mentioned that one of the goals he had for NASA was to partner with academic organizations on science missions. 'My priorities would have been leadership in space and the orbital economy and trying to introduce a concept where NASA could help enable others to conduct interesting scientific missions, getting academic organizations to contribute,' he said. 'I wouldn't mind maybe trying to put that to a test and see if you could fund an interesting robotic mission, just to show that it can be done, and try and get some of the top tier academic institutions who want to perform,' Isaacman added. 'So that's on my mind.' Isaacman previously funded the private missions he was a part of. In 2021, he purchased all four seats on board SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for the Inspiration4 mission. Under the Polaris Dawn program, Isaacman contracted with SpaceX to fund a series of missions, the first of which launched on September 10, 2024 and pulled off the first commercial spacewalk in history. Rather than focusing on human-led private missions, Isaacman is now looking to launch space exploration missions out of pocket. This comes at a time when NASA is facing severe budget cuts that threaten several science missions and put the agency's ability to pursue space exploration at risk. The current administration's so-called skinny budget proposes a $6 billion cut to the agency, 24% less than NASA's current $24.8 billion budget for 2025. As part of the proposal, the agency's astrophysics budget will drop to less than half a billion dollars from $1.5 billion. Its planetary science budget would drop from $2.7 billion to $1.9 billion, while its Earth science budget would fall to just over $1 billion from about $2.2 billion. NASA's Mars Sample Return, a bold quest to bring bits of Mars to Earth, is on the chopping block as part of the 2026 proposed budget. Other missions, such as NASA's Juno that has been exploring Jupiter since 2016, face cancellation, while planned future missions, such as DAVINCI and VERITAS, may never launch. Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA was a welcomed move by the space community as the agency struggles with pressure to return humans to the Moon and land astronauts on Mars. If he were given the helm, Isaacman would have focused on reusable hardware to launch the Artemis missions to the Moon while ditching NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), a giant, expendable rocket that has gone $6 billion over-budget, he revealed in a podcast earlier this month.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 166 — Live From the Swamps, ISDC 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. On Episode 166 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik broadcast live from the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference in Orlando, discussing the latest Starship explosion, missing universe matter discoveries, and answering listener questions about space camp experiences, astronaut communications, and the future of space exploration. Download or subscribe to this show at: episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at SpaceX's Starship explodes in Texas during preparations for 10th test flight SpaceX Starship S36 Explodes at Starbase, Texas | 4K 60FPS - High Quality Audio Starship Static Fire Update | SpaceX 'The models were right!' Astronomers locate universe's 'missing' matter in the largest cosmic structures 'Artificial intelligence is not a miracle cure': Nobel laureate raises questions about AI-generated image of black hole spinning at the heart of our galaxy Watch Blue Origin launch 6 people to suborbital space on June 21 Summer solstice 2025 brings changing seasons to Earth on June 20 TOP TELESCOPE PICK: Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mars settlement and more: Global space leaders will tackle big ideas next week at ISDC 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Space visionaries, scientists, entrepreneurs and students from around the world will gather in Florida next week for this year's International Space Development Conference. The conference — ISDC 2025 — will be held from June 19 to June 22 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Organized by the National Space Society (NSS), this year's conference promises to be a pivotal gathering for those passionate about accelerating humanity's future in space. ISDC 2025 will explore cutting-edge innovations, ambitious missions and collaborative strategies that aim to make space settlement and exploration a reality. The theme for this year's conference — "Together, Beyond!" — reflects collaboration across sectors and borders as humanity pushes further into the final frontier. Among the award recipients is editor-in-chief Tariq Malik, who will be receiving the NSS Space Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals who have helped open the space frontier. "Tariq is one of a kind — truly an ace space reporter who gets it right every time without bias or an agenda," Rod Pyle, editor-in-chief of the National Space Society's quarterly print magazine Ad Astra, said in a statement announcing Malik as this year's award recipient. "His passion for space is unmatched, and his expertise is as broad and deep as anyone I've met. Being in charge of a 24-hour specialty news outlet is no easy task, but he makes it seem so." ISDC 2025 speakers will tackle critical topics, including expanding global collaboration and access to space, developing spacefaring communities, space health, sustainability and the reality of settling on the moon, Mars and beyond. Sessions will also address the need for planetary defense strategies for protecting Earth against dangerous asteroids. For more information, including registration details, pricing and a full list of speakers and scheduled events, visit the conference page online. Notable speakers include: Pascal Lee, planetary scientist and Mars exploration expert: Lee works with the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute, the Mars Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center as a planetary scientist. He is also vice president of planetary development at NSS and chief scientist at Ceres Robotics, a NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) industry provider. At the conference, Lee will participate in a panel focused on space settlement ideas and will also lead the Mars session. Gretchen Green, physician, educator, and commercial astronaut: Green flew aboard Blue Origin's NS-32 suborital mission on May 31, making history as the first woman physician commercial astronaut. A radiologist with over 20 years of experience, she brings a unique perspective to spaceflight, combining medical expertise with a passion for exploration. At the conference, she will be a speaker at the Many Roads to Space session, dedicated to human settlement of the final frontier. Jared Isaacman, mission commander, Polaris Dawn & Inspiration4: Isaacman is a pioneering astronaut and pilot with over 7,000 flight hours. He commanded Inspiration4 — the first all-civilian space mission — and the Polaris Dawn mission, on which he completed the first private astronaut spacewalk. He was also President Trump's selection to be NASA administrator until May 31, when the White House withdrew his nomination. Isaacman will speak during Saturday's dinner reception. Susan Kilrain, former NASA astronaut: Kilrain is a former NASA astronaut, navy test pilot and one of only three women to pilot the space shuttle. An aerospace engineer and recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Kilrain now serves as a motivational speaker, STEM advocate, and author of the children's book "An Unlikely Astronaut." She will speak during multiple sessions, including an astronaut panel and NextGen session on Saturday afternoon. Robert "Hoot" Gibson, former NASA chief astronaut: Gibson is a former Navy fighter pilot, test pilot and NASA astronaut. Selected as an astronaut in 1978, he flew five space shuttle missions — four as mission commander — including the first U.S. docking with Russia's Mir space station in 1995. Gibson's career spans over 60 years, with more than 14,000 flight hours in more than 160 aircraft. He brings deep operational knowledge and mentorship in crewed spaceflight, and will speak in multiple sessions during the conference. Shawna Pandya, Director of Medical Research Orbital Assembly Corporation: Pandya is set to become the first named female commercial Canadian astronaut, with a planned Virgin Galactic flight as early as 2026. She is an emergency physician, aquanaut and expert in space medicine. She has led or contributed to numerous spaceflight and analog missions, including underwater aquanaut expeditions and commercial spacesuit testing in zero gravity. She will be leading the Launchpad Talks session, which aims to discuss some of the newest and most exciting ideas in space exploration, development and settlement.


Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
LEGENDARY NASA ASTRONAUT STORY MUSGRAVE TO RECEIVE AWARD AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The National Space Society's ISDC Will be Held in Orlando, FL in June 'Story a true polymath, and his contributions to core ideas of long-term spaceflight and settlement are impressive, making him a truly deserving of the prestigious Heinlein Memorial Award'— Isaac Arthur, President of the National Space Society KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL, UNITED STATES, May 15, 2025 / / -- Former NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave will receive the prestigious Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Award for his efforts toward making humanity a spacefaring civilization this June at the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference ® (ISDC®). The conference will be held June 19-22 in Orlando, Florida, at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Musgrave is a former NASA astronaut who was active during the Apollo, Skylab, and shuttle programs. He flew into space six times and aboard all five shuttle orbiters. He is also a medical doctor and holds six academic degrees in mathematics and statistics, business administration, chemistry, physiology and biophysics, literature, and an M.D. Musgrave served in the U.S. Marine Corps and has flown 17,700 hours in a wide variety of aircraft including 7,500 hours in jets. 'Story Musgrave is a legend in the astronaut corps,' said Isaac Arthur, president of the NSS. 'Besides his stunning academic accomplishments, he is also a pilot, has practiced medicine, and is deeply educated in literature. He is a true polymath, and his contributions to core ideas of long-term spaceflight and settlement are impressive, making him a truly deserving of the prestigious Heinlein Memorial Award.' Musgrave was selected as an astronaut in 1967 during the height of the Space Race and initially worked on the design and development of the Skylab program. He served as a backup science pilot for Skylab 2 crew flight, then moved on to the space shuttle program, working on spacesuits, life support systems, airlock design, and the Manned Maneuvering Unit. During the shuttle program he flew on STS-6, STS-51F, STS-33, STS-44, and STS-80, accruing 1,282 hours of spaceflight time and 27 hours of EVAs (spacewalks). Musgrave has received a variety of awards including the NASA's Distinguished Service Medal, Exceptional Service Medal, and Spaceflight Medal; as well as a National Defense Service Medal. He has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. The Heinlein Memorial Award will be presented to Musgrave on Sunday, June 22, at the closing dinner of the ISDC. The conference runs from June 19-22 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, and more information can be found at the conference website, ABOUT THE NSS The National Space Society is the preeminent non-partisan citizens' voice on space exploration, development, and settlement, reaching millions through its membership, numerous outreach channels, and media activities. The organization was founded in 1987 via a merger of the National Space Institute and the L5 Society. To learn more about the NSS and its mission to establish humanity as a spacefaring species, visit us on the web at Aggie Kobrin National Space Society +1 949-836-8464 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.