Cruz emphasizing the importance of Artemis 2 and 3, per the “big beautiful bill.” Welcomes Katie Britt, senator from Huntsville. Now he’s praising Jared. “US must remain the leader in space exploration.” (I hate that phrase). Hearing is also for Stephen Haines as an assistant secretary at Commerce.

Now Maria Cantwell (ranking member from Washington state) is speaking. Mentions that Bill Nye is present. Notes that she supported him before, and hopes to do so again.

Noting previous testimony that SpaceX HLS won’t be ready in time, and praises Duffy’s reopening of the competition.

Also noting that NASA is responsible for aeronautics, and feeds numerous sectors of technology, including AI, materials, etc.

Criticizing budget cuts at OMB, and pressure on NASA to implement them, and she hopes that Isaacman will push back on this.

Senator Hagerty of TN introducing Haines.

Senator Sheehy of Montana introducing Jared now. Talking about their joint experience at Space Camp, though Jared actually became an astronaut. Talking about all the people who support each human space mission. NASA searching for revival since Columbia loss, and bemoaning our previous dependence on Russia. worried about “going to bed on the glow of a Red Moon.” Thinks that Jared is the right man for a rejuvenation of NASA.

Isaacman starting his testimony.

Lived the American dream, acknowledges his family and astronauts present in support. 4000 letters of support, including from astronauts. In a great competition with China including the high ground of space. Falling behind could result in never catching up. Time for NASA to deliver on the BBB. Not here to close centers, but wants to work with the best and brightest at NASA to ensure American leadership. Success of Artemis program will help do so. Will not accept a gap in capabilities again for either LEO or getting to the Moon. Will push for efficient use of every dollar spent. With extreme focus on the mission, NASA will lead the way.

He’s telling them what he knows they want to hear.

Haines speaking now. [I don’t really care about this aspect of the hearing.]

Cruz noting that Artemis is crucial, and that space programs require stability. BBB provides clear guidance, for space stations in LEO, and Artemis. Asks for confirmation that Jared will follow that law. He says he will. Asking what long-term steps will be taken to maintain the Artemis program objectives. Jared saying that he believes that SLS is the quickest way to carry out the plan, and grateful for Artemis 4 and 5. Hoping that by that time, other heavy-lift vehicles will be available with refueling, and other options will be available after Artemis 5.

Cruz: Not interested in one provider versus another, just wants to see goals achieved. Sees no tension between Moon and Mars. Does he agree that both are critical priorities? Jared reiterates that we can do both in parallel (from previous testimony). Repeats that other providers with prop transfer will be crucial in the future.

Cruz: Commit to guaranteeing a continuous human presence with no gap between ISS retirement and commercial facilities. Jared dreams of the day that we have multiple facilities in LEO, but ISS is crucial to getting there.

Cantwell wants a commitment to Duffy’s recompetition, Jared thinks that existing competition is adequate. Thinks that competition between world powers is good, “as long as we don’t lose.” She wants specifically for aeronautics to support thermoplastics (must be some Washington constituent for this).

Jared talking about opportunities for STEM students to work with hardware.

Cantwell switching questioning to Haines.

Senator Moran speaking now. Shares views of Cruz and Cantwell on the Moon and Mars, but got a letter from a Kansas farmer about NASA’s support of real-time soil moisture, etc., and farm tools using satellites data. What are Jared’s thoughts on such NASA support?

Jared says that Earth science is vitally important, and a role that NASA continues to fulfill. Moran notes that he’s the chairman of the appropriations committee that oversees NASA’s budget. Wants a commitment from Jared to “spend the money in which the Congress wants it to be spent.” Urging his colleagues to vote for the appropriation bill. Now shifting to Haines.

In response to Senator Moreno (Ohio), Jared discussing coordination/cooperation with Department of Energy and Department of War on Golden Dome, and being asked about nuclear power on the Moon. He mentions Glenn (of course). “NASA should be evolving to work on such programs.” Could be used beyond Mars or on the surface of Mars for making propellant, need to be looking at nuclear power and propulsion, for both fusion and fission.

Here we go: Senator Kim asking about Project Athena. Jared describes it as a “draft document” that he continued to update based on discussion with NASA and senators. Stands behind everything in it despite it being written seven months ago. States that he is sole author. Kim concerned about “reevaluation of sustained lunar presence.” Jared says that any statement can be taken out of context of a sixty-page document. Understands need for enduring presence. Better to go into job with a plan than without one. Kim concerned about taking NASA out of the climate science business, and that Jared isn’t taking advice from experts. Confused about degree to which he stands by the document.

Senator Schmitt (Missouri) wants to hear why Moon and Mars is important. Jared says we’ve spent hundreds of billions and need to show value for that money (talking about He-3). “How can NASA cultivate commercial space travel?” Jared notes that NASA has worked alongside companies throughout history, but a lot of new names coming along, and NASA should share its expertise, and hand it off to commercial companies. Want to make sure that the thousands of companies are bubbling up to meet our objectives. Schmitt speaking about St. Louis specifically and quantum. “Civilizations come and go, but whoever is on the leading edge of technology will survive.” Jared: If we want an exciting space future, in quantum, need access to ISS.

Senator Peters (MI) asking about the politics of his nomination being pulled, and if there is a conflict of interest with SpaceX and Musk. Jared won’t speculate on why the president pulled the nomination. Donated much more to charitable causes than politics. Notes that there are no pictures of him hanging out with Elon because they don’t exist, and his relationship with Elon is a business one as a customer.

Back to Senator Sheehy questioning Haines.

Jared being asked again by Markey about Elon being present at the meeting at Mar a Lago when Trump offered him the job. Markey questioning his financial relationships with SpaceX. Jared says he has no equity in any space company. Markey wants to know how much he paid SpaceX, Jared says that is under an NDA. He says that he has not had any communication with Elon since the renomination. Markey continues his nonsense about a conflict of interest. Asks if he supports the Trump cuts to the science budget, Jared says he supports the budget in the BBB. Stupid question from Markey about Project Athena proposal to utilize commercial companies for data, asking if that means from SpaceX and Starlink. Jared says no.

Senator Budd (NC) asking about reducing sonic booms, with X-59. He supports it, likes Boom, wants to see more radical designs and breakthroughs, like in the 70s and 80s with fly-by-wire, etc. Does he thinks that Quest is in competition to Boom. He thinks that NASA should develop the tech, then hand it off to industry. Asking about “space diplomacy” vis a vis China. Jared: NASA is a soft power, works with allies across Europe and Asia, but Chinese have their own station now, and launch at extraordinary cadence, and need to look at what NASA is doing right and wrong to compete.

Senator Luhan (NM) (stupid question): “Do you believe in science?” “Questions you are receiving at this hearing show out interest in science. Do you agree with NASA’s charter to support this?” “Yes.” “Will you execute the funds appropriated by Congress for NASA’s scientific efforts as intended?” “Yes.” Asking about support for MTO. He does.

Klobachar (MN), asking same questions as Moran about NASA support to Department of Agriculture. Reiterates that we only have one planet and have to gather data. Asking about Mayo Clinic and space medicine, and research on aging and regenerative medicine. “Couldn’t agree with this study more,” and reaching point at which human physiology and psychology being greater barrier to spaceflight than technology. What steps will he take to ensure that NASA continue to make its EO data to academia. Thinks that it’s important to do so.

Senator Young expects to support Jared nomination, had breakfast with him a few days ago. Asking Haines questions.

Senator Rosen (NV) wants to talk about travel and tourism, but apparently not space tourism.

Senator Capito wants to focus on Isaacman: What does he thinks about Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio for contributions to space. Jared: “As Penn resident, we need the best and the brightest from all over the nation.” She talks about the Space Keystone initiative. Talking about astronauts who support him, particularly Peggy Whitson, and says she is sold. Talking about IV&V facility named for Katherine Johnson, and to prevent it from being outsourced. Jared: Appreciate the support from such notable astronauts. Thinks that mission-control role will diminish over time with advances in AI and other technologies. She wants his thoughts on power generation on the Moon. Jared: Loves this topic, very big in nuclear in space. Various propulsion applications both thermal and electric, need surface power where there is less solar effectiveness, and a NASA mission that no one else will support.

Hickenlooper (CO) wants to talk to Haines about critical materials and workforce training. Addressing Jared (as a scientist in the senate), he agrees that NASA should be a “force multiplier” for science. Is there conflict between science and other NASA priorities? Jared: Want to know where we stand today on budget, but will absolutely maximize science with existing budget. Jared thinks that Goddard is very important. Hickenlooper will submit other questions in writing. Wants a commitment from both nominees to work closely with the committee, and gets it from Isaacman, submits letters of recommendation for the record.

Hearing is adjourned.

My immediate thoughts: He told them mostly what they wanted to hear, other than the stupid questions about the conflict of interest with SpaceX and Musk, and will certainly be confirmed. May the lord have mercy on his soul. He promised things that he can’t deliver, and will have to figure out how to reconcile the continuing desire on the part of Congress for their pork with actually beating China to a sustainable presence on the Moon.