Leaked Plan From Trump’s Potential NASA Head Outlines Sweeping “Project Athena” to Remake Space Agency
A 62-page manifesto for NASA's future, dubbed “Project Athena,” has sparked debate in Washington, DC. The document, obtained by Politico and Ars Technica, was drafted by Jared Isaacman, a former NASA administrator nominee and SpaceX tourist, earlier this year. It proposes significant changes to NASA, including a stronger focus on private sector partnerships and a more business-oriented approach, which has raised concerns among NASA insiders.
The plan's release could impact Isaacman's chances of being re-nominated for the NASA administrator position, as it may be used as political leverage to keep interim administrator Sean Duffy in the role. However, the plan also reflects the Trump administration's priorities for human space exploration, which could potentially swing the balance of power in Isaacman's favor.
This news highlights a significant disagreement between the White House and Congress regarding NASA's future. The agency has been in a state of chaos due to the lack of a long-term leader, even ten months into Trump's second term. Isaacman, initially handpicked by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, gained substantial support in Congress for his nomination, despite potential conflicts of interest. However, his relationship with Musk soured, leading to his removal from the NASA administrator position in May.
Isaacman's team shared the 62-page document with Duffy in August, but the intention behind this move remains unclear. It could be an attempt to regain public attention or a “courtesy” gesture to Duffy's team. The document suggests a “seismic shift” in NASA's operations, including a shift towards “science-as-a-service” by purchasing data from commercial companies.
However, the proposed changes may face resistance within NASA. Staffers have already objected to major cuts, and one former NASA official described the Project Athena proposals as “bizarre and careless.” The plan also calls for the cancellation of the expensive Moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), after Artemis 3, which has been a key focus of NASA's efforts. This aligns with the White House's proposed changes to the program.
Despite the potential controversy, the plan's release has sparked discussions about the future of NASA and the balance of power between the White House and Congress. The outcome of this debate will significantly impact the agency's direction and leadership in the coming years.
