Senator Schmitt Questions NASA Nominee About America’s Return to the Moon, the Future of the Space Economy
Schmitt Highlighted Washington University’s Cutting-Edge Quantum Research
WASHINGTON — Today, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) questioned Jared Isaccman, nominee to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), about America’s return to the moon and the need to strengthen partnerships between NASA, academic institutions, and the private sector. Schmitt also highlighted the work Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, is doing to stay on the cutting edge of quantum research.
Watch the full line of questions HERE
Senator Schmitt Asks About America’s Return to the Moon:
Senator Schmitt: “Mr. Isaacman, I wanted to ask you: Let’s just pretend you’re in Missouri among a group of students, constituents — just a good cross section of my state. If you were to answer the question, ‘why is it important that the United States of America gets to the moon first or gets to Mars first ahead of the Chinese’ what would be your answer?”
Mr. Isaacman: “Well, Senator, I think there’s a couple reasons. One of which is fulfilling a promise that’s been made by every president since 1989 and the over $100 billion that’s been funded by taxpayers on our grand return to the moon. I think it’s imperative that we do so. Failing to do so calls into question American exceptionalism beyond just our expertise in the high ground of space. Second, I do believe — as I mentioned in my opening remarks — that when we return, we will have an opportunity to determine and realize the scientific, economic and national security value on the lunar surface. Now, an example I used in my previous hearing, is that there is helium three on the moon — not a lot of it, but certainly more than there is here on Earth — and that is predicted to be a more efficient source of fusion power. Our foreign policy and wars have been fought for a century over sources of power to get that wrong could have implications here on earth that could change the balance of power.”
Senator Schmitt on the Need for NASA to Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships, Washington University’s Research Capabilities:
Senator Schmitt: “We have in this country a pretty robust ecosystem of new companies, small businesses, disruptors that have entered the fray, as it relates to whether it’s commercial space exploration, or travel, or what have you. How can NASA, and your role, help cultivate that work with them? Because I do think that’s one of the advantages we have over China in the [space] race. What can you do in this potential new role?”
Mr. Isaacman: “Senator, it’s a great question. You know, a lot of people do believe, generally, that these are new developments. But, in reality, going back to the 1960s in the space race, NASA worked alongside some of our great aerospace companies. Whether it was Boeing, or McDonnell Doughlas, and Northrop. A lot of those names are still very relevant within the space program today. Then, there’s also a lot of new names that are referred to as the new space or commercial space. I think it’s going to take the contributions of the many to do the near impossible. Now, where NASA can play a role is consistent with the past, which is sharing its expertise and talent to help these new companies. When NASA does tend to figure out the near impossible and it’s mature enough technology to hand it off to industry where innovation can improve upon the capability and lower cost. That’s a great outcome. I also think NASA can do a very good job expressing the need. What is the requirement? Because there are lots and lots of commercial space companies now. I think Ranking Member Cantwell mentioned that she has over one thousand in her state alone. That’s fantastic. We just want to make sure they’re all working on things that bubble up to our most important objectives. So, I think NASA can do an even better job of working with industry to outline the problems that need to be solved and ensure we’re kind of concentrating American ingenuity in the right direction, sir.”
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Senator Schmitt: “Well, to put on the parochial hat for a moment, I think St Louis is a defense tech hub with all with former McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, with their defense side. [National Geospatial-Intelligence] (NGA) West, which is completing their new facilities [in St. Louis]. A lot of opportunities, which leads [to my] next question on quantum. Washington University in St Louis is doing a lot of really important work here. How do you see NASA’s role in furthering that mission right to be on the cutting edge [of quantum]? Because […] civilizations come and go, right, and in many ways, whoever has the most advanced technology — whether it’s warfare or on the more the commercial side — they tend to thrive and win this great competition. And NASA is going to play and is playing a very important role. How do you see, on the quantum side, NASA working with research institutions in the private sector?”
Mr. Isaacman: “It’s an excellent question, Senator. I mentioned earlier about the importance of determining the orbital economy. For 60 years, other than a few exceptions, the space economy has still come down to launch observation and communication, which is largely funded by the government. If we do want a very exciting space faring civilization in the future, with lots of space stations and orbitals, lunar outposts and bases [in Mars], we’re going to actually have to figure out that economy. There’s a lot of prospects when it comes to quantum computing and quantum communications. What I would like to do is ensure that the highest potential science and research has an expeditious path to the International Space Station, so we can maximize that remaining life, and then, hopefully, crack the code on the orbital economy that gives all the commercial space stations a fighting chance. Quantum has a number of applications that can take advantage of the unique environment of microgravity, sir.”
Senator Schmitt: “Well, thank you for your service, and I wish you all the best in this new position. Good luck.”
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