"Athens Unveiled: Leaked Plan Reveals Trump-Backed Agenda for NASA"
A 62-page policy document, dubbed the "Athena" plan, has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill, revealing a blueprint for NASA's future under Jared Isaacman's proposed leadership. The plan, which was allegedly leaked to space lobbyists and officials, outlines a comprehensive strategy for human space exploration, commercial space development, and scientific research.
At its core, Athena aims to return NASA to its mission of achieving the "near impossible" by leading the world in human spaceflight, igniting the space economy, and acting as a force multiplier for science. The plan seeks to transition away from cost-plus contracts for the Space Launch System rocket and Orion, while repurposing elements of the Gateway for a nuclear-powered tug vehicle.
However, critics are pointing out that certain assertions made by supporters of Sean Duffy's interim leadership are not entirely supported by the document. For instance, some claims suggest that Isaacman wants to end NASA's astronaut program or close the Glenn Research Center, which is not actually part of the plan.
Industry insiders believe that the leaked document may be a ploy by Duffy and his allies to maintain their grip on power at NASA, while also trying to discredit Isaacman as a pro-SpaceX candidate. The Alabama delegation, which strongly supports continuation of the Space Launch System rocket, has come out in favor of Duffy's candidacy.
Despite this, the Athena plan reflects the priorities of the Trump administration for human space exploration, aligning with their proposed budget for NASA. It remains to be seen how Isaacman will navigate these treacherous waters and whether his vision for a commercial-led future at NASA can withstand the pressure from established interests in the industry.
As tensions between Duffy's camp and Isaacman's supporters continue to simmer, one thing is clear: the Athena plan has set the stage for a contentious battle over the future of America's space agency.
A 62-page policy document, dubbed the "Athena" plan, has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill, revealing a blueprint for NASA's future under Jared Isaacman's proposed leadership. The plan, which was allegedly leaked to space lobbyists and officials, outlines a comprehensive strategy for human space exploration, commercial space development, and scientific research.
At its core, Athena aims to return NASA to its mission of achieving the "near impossible" by leading the world in human spaceflight, igniting the space economy, and acting as a force multiplier for science. The plan seeks to transition away from cost-plus contracts for the Space Launch System rocket and Orion, while repurposing elements of the Gateway for a nuclear-powered tug vehicle.
However, critics are pointing out that certain assertions made by supporters of Sean Duffy's interim leadership are not entirely supported by the document. For instance, some claims suggest that Isaacman wants to end NASA's astronaut program or close the Glenn Research Center, which is not actually part of the plan.
Industry insiders believe that the leaked document may be a ploy by Duffy and his allies to maintain their grip on power at NASA, while also trying to discredit Isaacman as a pro-SpaceX candidate. The Alabama delegation, which strongly supports continuation of the Space Launch System rocket, has come out in favor of Duffy's candidacy.
Despite this, the Athena plan reflects the priorities of the Trump administration for human space exploration, aligning with their proposed budget for NASA. It remains to be seen how Isaacman will navigate these treacherous waters and whether his vision for a commercial-led future at NASA can withstand the pressure from established interests in the industry.
As tensions between Duffy's camp and Isaacman's supporters continue to simmer, one thing is clear: the Athena plan has set the stage for a contentious battle over the future of America's space agency.