NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared exclusive insights after Artemis II's successful splashdown, detailing the tense reentry and lessons learned. - Artemis III, targeted for mid-2027, will test lunar landers in Earth orbit first.
- NASA plans a gradual lunar base buildup near the south pole starting in 2027, with astronaut return in 2028. - Isaacman emphasized the competitive space race with China, calling it a tight race measured in months.
- Human missions to Mars could be possible before 2040 if lunar operations succeed. The moon is seen as a proving ground for Mars.