NASA chief: I'm only interested in "good deals" from international partners

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is emphasizing the importance of carefully selecting international partners while forging alliances for the rapidly evolving space race toward the Moon, according to a recent gathering of military leaders and defense contractors. Isaacman, who has been leading the world's largest civilian space agency for 10 months, clarified that the current lunar mission transcends ideological conflict, shifting towards a high-stakes contest for extraterrestrial real estate and resources.

Isaacman identified a specific region near the Moon's south pole as the ideal location for establishing a lunar base, highlighting the significant potential of this area. This region, characterized by craters shielded from sunlight, houses abundant water ice, which could be leveraged to provide water, air, and rocket fuel for a sustainable Moon base. Such a base would serve as a crucial stepping stone for future Mars expeditions.