NASA chief: I'm only interested in "good deals" from international partners
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the agency will be more selective in forging international partnerships, focusing only on 'good deals' as the race to the Moon intensifies. He emphasized that the competition for lunar resources, particularly water ice at the south pole, has tangible implications for future space exploration and settlement.
Why it matters
This shift in NASA's approach to international collaboration reflects a more competitive geopolitical landscape in space, potentially impacting global partnerships and the future allocation of lunar resources.
Art of the deal NASA chief: I’m only interested in “good deals” from international partners “There was absolutely a time where we were trying to make everyone happy.”
24 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman speaks at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 15, 2025. Credit: Jud McCrehin/Air & Space Forces Association NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman speaks at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 15, 2025. Credit: Jud McCrehin/Air & Space Forces Association Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav NASA must be more selective in the way it forges international partnerships as the race to the Moon transforms from a battle for national prestige between the United States and China into a high-stakes competition for extraterrestrial real estate and resources, the agency’s administrator said.
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