space is nifty.

United States
Joined September 2022
Thank you for engaging with our analysis, @NASAAdmin Isaacman. As we stated in the report, this is an exercise worth pursuing. We share your desire to make sure that every decision and every dollar spent creates more wins for science. We agree plutonium shouldn't sit idle. That's why we keep arguing for more resources for NASA science to pursue high-priority missions to the outer solar system. But even if PROMISE comes in below our estimates, there are real opportunity costs in the use of NASA's spare MMRTG and its limited supply of plutonium-238. Using 4.8 kg now is equivalent to nearly 20 years of natural decay losses across NASA's supply. We want to make sure the scientific outcomes justify this cost, should NASA decide to pursue this effort. That's why we recommended incorporating the science goals of Endurance-A: sample collection across the South Pole–Aitken basin by a rover capable of long-distance drives. The science was recommended by the decadal survey and reaffirmed just this week by NASA's own SPARX Science Definition Team. PROMISE may be promising for that task. We look forward to the ongoing conversation about keeping the United States on the cutting edge of scientific discovery.
Launch and landing costs are a reality for any mission, so setting those aside, if PROMISE costs even 20% of your low-end estimate, we simply will not fly it. That said, it would be crazy not to take advantage of hardware taxpayers have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in, along with Pu-238 that continues to decay and lose roughly 2% of its potential each year. More than a decade has gone by. How much of this Pu-238 do you want to waste waiting for a mission that does not even exist? I understand the community sometimes likes to take a long time to reach consensus, but under this Administration, we can just do things and put wins on the board for the Moon Base and all the science and discovery it will enable. In my humble opinion, less debate and more frequent wins make it easier to advocate for more resources to do more science.
3
4
100
13,282
spacetimer retweeted
For the first time, we have raised the Intersex Progress Pride Flag at a NASA center to commemorate #PrideMonth
22
202
1,742
1,655
1,962,114
Space for all 🏳️‍🌈 As part of our #PrideMonth celebration, we unveiled the Pride flag on Lab, a visual reminder that inclusivity is one of @NASAJPL's core values and that by fostering a diverse and equitable work environment, we can Dare Mighty Things Together.
1
45
52
353
265,373
spacetimer retweeted
i am sorry but none of the apollo stuff in this performative release is even remotely new forgive me we have had it for fifty years and it was boring then too
1
5
1
47
1,927
spacetimer retweeted
Celebrating 36 years of discovery with the Hubble Space Telescope 🔭 Collected on April 23, 2026, by one of Vantor's WorldView Legion satellites, this remarkable non-Earth image showcases Hubble from just 61.8 km away—an incredible perspective of one of humanity’s most iconic scientific instruments. With a space sample distance of 4.0 cm, Hubble’s signature cylindrical body, gleaming thermal shielding, and extended solar arrays are clearly visible, along with the open aperture door at the front of the telescope. For over three decades, Hubble has expanded our understanding of the universe—delivering breathtaking imagery and groundbreaking science that continue to inspire. Proud to support the technologies and teams that make moments like this possible.
40
530
74
2,524
305,353
spacetimer retweeted
The eclipse from Orion. On April 6, external cameras attached to the Orion spacecraft's solar array wings captured the Moon backlit by the Sun during a solar eclipse.
282
6,889
426
33,306
2,145,010
The President’s new budget defunding American science and innovation is dead on arrival, just like last year. As NASA astronauts are literally on their way to the Moon, showcasing the tremendous power of American innovation that the President claims to support, the Administration is actively trying to sabotage their mission and the dedicated team at NASA. After last year's full-scale assault on American science and innovation was rejected by a broad, bipartisan, bicameral coalition — Trump has yet again gone along with Russ Vought's misguided goal to demolish our scientific agencies and drive technical leadership to other countries. When will they learn? Congress understands that science is what creates new cures, creates new jobs, and inspires the next generation. And Congress will reject this terrible budget.
58
198
10
1,789
57,950
spacetimer retweeted
Estas son las tomas que solo la NASA libera, sin gráficos, sin compresión, slow mo, para que los nerdos la vean, estudien y revisen. Gratis y para todos. Las agencias espaciales públicas jamás deben de desaparecer. xitter.cf/TJ_Cooney/status/20397…
35
1,406
26
19,858
433,558
spacetimer retweeted
That's us! 🌍 The Artemis II crew captured beautiful, high-resolution images of our home planet during their journey to the Moon. As @Astro_Christina put it: "You guys look great."
2,951
41,610
4,904
213,428
8,892,242
spacetimer retweeted
not because it’s easy, but because it goes hard.
9
99
2
1,091
12,929
spacetimer retweeted
“DEI” Koch: -longest spaceflight by a woman -first all female spacewalk -3 time ISS astronaut Glover: -Piloted first crew Dragon -4 spacewalks -ISS astronaut No matter how accomplished women and minorities are, they will always be DEI to you.
Replying to @knosalit
Guess the 2 of them will make up for the DEI deadwood
33
264
2
3,867
93,221
To make spaceflight a nationalism thing *again* is the most idiotic thing possible. Apollo was killed because of this. We beat the Soviets. The American legislator then saw 0 reason to keep Apollo— we beat the Soviets, right? We gave up half a decade of progress for a flag.
The goal is not just to reach the Moon, but to stay. 🌘
11
44
342
8,038
spacetimer retweeted
HEARTWARMING: Space Shuttle Enterprise grateful it isn’t a “real” shuttle so it won’t be brutally dismembered and sent to Texas
TX lawmakers double down on Discovery, call for DOJ investigation into Smithsonian: collectspace.com/news/news-1…
7
56
1
1,053
33,153
Imagine wanting to cut NASA science when we have incredible tools like this that make a direct impact in our daily lives and help shape our understanding of the planet we live on.
See Hurricane Erin in 3D 🌀 Erin went through a period of rapid intensification, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in around 24 hours. @NASA’s GPM Core Observatory passed over Hurricane Erin at 6:23a.m. EDT on August 16th, while it was intensifying.
268
415
9
5,471
297,899
spacetimer retweeted
NASA already has a spacecraft in space and enroute to rendezvous with Apophis in 2029. The White House budget wants to shut down the mission.
47
129
6
1,924
109,992
This account is/was a pioneer of social media. space.com/17402-mars-rover-c…
Important Update: As part of @NASA’s effort to streamline communications, this account will be archived in the coming weeks – but don't worry, my mission isn't going anywhere. For continued access to the latest Curiosity news, images, and science, please follow @NASAMars.
2
21
310
28,752
spacetimer retweeted
These proposed numbers have some real 'right side of poster' energy.
Lowest nasa budget since 1961 (inflation adjusted. Sad.
75
146
10
2,950
119,089
Yeah seeing this a lot. It doesn’t happen. We will not get regular Space Telescopes, or Dragonfly etc.. The Mars plans of SpaceX are born out of a fierce rejection of the profit motive (a point I don’t see mentioned enough) and why they must remain private. The government, and the thing NASA was best at, can do and fund incredibly hard things that have no visible economic return. JWST. ISS. Had NASA not done ISS, there’d be no SpaceX. But ignoring economics, think of the loss of knowledge if no Hubble, no JWST, no Roman. Why is BO Pershing in space refilling? Because NASA set up demand for it through Artemis. Also, although our democracy is flawed, it’s still a democracy. You have no say over what SpaceX does. Or Rocketlab, or anyone else. You do have a say in what the US does, through NASA, which is controlled by Congress, which you vote for. That system must be improved, but it does however slightly, function. A moon base, a Mars base, a Telescope, a Jovian moon helicopter, a mars rover, are not profitable and will not be this century. So we either need NASA, or we just have to hope we randomly get lucky with Companies that are privately held, regularly rejecting profit and burning cash to develope launch and operate the next JWST. Not gonna happen.
Wow, there are so many people who think private companies will do space science missions without financial benifits 😂😂
20
30
1
371
23,679
are you happy now, Dr. Aldrin
prnewswire.com/news-releases… A half-Century ago, it was an honor to serve my country in the effort to put a human being on the Moon. I am proud of what we accomplished then and I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of an enduring human presence in space – it is a calling that runs through every fiber of my being.    Over time, I have seen our government’s approach to space wax and wane. But under the first Trump Administration, I was impressed to see how human space exploration was elevated as a policy of high importance again. Under President Trump’s first term, America saw a revitalized interest in Space, and his Administration reignited national efforts to get back to the Moon, and push on to Mars. The Trump Administration also reinstituted the National Space Council, and our Nation’s defense was enhanced with the creation of the U.S. Space Force – increasingly important as space becomes a contested domain. At the same time, I have been enthused and excited by the great advancements in the private sector space economy, led by visionaries like @elonmusk.  These are concrete accomplishments that align with my concerns and America’s policy priorities.       America is facing serious and difficult challenges both at home and abroad.  The Presidency requires clarity in judgement, decisiveness, and calm under pressure that few have a natural ability to manage, or the life experience to successfully undertake. It is a job where decisions are made that routinely involve American lives – some urgently but not without thought. The job requires sober analysis of frightening scenarios, and the instinct to lead with resolve. From the skies over Korea in air-to-air combat to navigating, landing, and walking on the Moon, I appreciate this kind of pressure. I know what it is like to have to make these kinds of decisions, with firmness and follow-through.   In this election, we have a choice and we all have one vote. For some, the choice may not be easy – but in times of uncertainty real leaders are most needed – to guide and inspire a people, to push through the noise, recognize what really matters, and accomplish missions critical to all citizens. Most Americans rightly consider it an honor to cast their vote for a leader they believe will best serve the nation. For me, for the future of our country, to meet enormous challenges, and for the proven policy accomplishments above, I believe we are best served by voting for @realDonaldTrump. I wholeheartedly endorse him for President of the United States. Godspeed President Trump, and God Bless the United States of America.
18
148
7
1,891
63,446
spacetimer retweeted
Well that’s a disaster.
More: WH confirms Isaacman's out, says replacement coming soon @ShelbyTalcott "It’s essential that the next leader of NASA is in complete alignment with President Trump’s America First agenda and a replacement will be announced directly by President Trump soon," Spox says
135
135
6
3,343
318,616