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

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has emphasized that the agency must adopt a more selective approach to international partnerships as the lunar race intensifies. Speaking to military and defense leaders, Isaacman highlighted that the competition for the Moon has shifted from a battle of prestige to a strategic race for extraterrestrial resources. The focus is currently on the lunar south pole, which contains critical water ice deposits within permanently shadowed craters. These resources are essential for producing water, oxygen, and rocket fuel, serving as a foundation for permanent lunar settlements and future missions to Mars. Isaacman stated that NASA will prioritize partnerships that offer tangible benefits, noting that securing these resource-rich locations is a high-stakes endeavor with significant implications for future space exploration and national interests.