"We're Back at It" - NASA's Jared Isaacman on the Moon, Mars, and What Comes Next | 13th & Park

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman joins 13th & Park for a wide-ranging conversation on America's space program, the race back to the moon, and what it will take to reach Mars. Isaacman pulls back the curtain on Artemis 2, including the six-minute communications blackout during reentry and the fact that the heat shield was known to be imperfect before splashdown. He explains why the team pressed forward with confidence, and what the post-mission data confirmed. He also lays out the full roadmap: moon landings in 2027 and 2028, a permanent lunar base, in-situ resource manufacturing, nuclear propulsion, and ultimately a crewed mission to Mars. The conversation covers the high-stakes race against China, which Isaacman says will be decided in months rather than years, and why falling short after 35 years of promises and over $100 billion in taxpayer investment would send a damaging message about American capability. He also opens up about his own journey, from starting a company in his parents' basement to building the world's largest civilian fleet of military jets, commanding two orbital missions, and raising over $250 million for Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital through his Inspiration4 mission. Listen to us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2yqqjgPtA7NR2cJewPqbNQ?si=e9df5028fc0e4dd9 Listen to us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13th-park/id1645880081 Follow Jared and NASA: IG: https://www.instagram.com/rookisaacman/ X: https://x.com/rookisaacman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasa/posts/?feedView=all Follow Us! X: https://x.com/13thandPark IG: https://www.instagram.com/13th_and_park www.ballardpartners.com About 13th and Park: 13th and Park is a dynamic media platform produced by Ballard Partners. We bring you insightful discussions, expert interviews, and in-depth analysis on key issues shaping industries, policy, and business trends. Our content features thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers exploring topics ranging from policy influence, business innovation, trade regulations, and more. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest videos, exclusive interviews, and expert insights shaping the future of business, policy, and public affairs.