Main Engine Cut Off T+319: Headlines, December 22, 2025
Dec 23, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with intriguing space news! NASA has a new administrator, Jared Isaacman, who's bringing fresh energy. Trump pledges a Moon landing by 2028, followed by a lunar outpost. SpaceX gears up for an $800 billion IPO, aiming for a staggering $1.5 trillion valuation. There's surprising leadership change at ULA with Tory Bruno's exit. MAVEN's signal loss raises concerns, while Chinese astronauts tackle debris issues. Plus, launch highlights from around the globe make this a must-listen!
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New NASA Leader Prioritizes Face Time
- Jared Isaacman's early town hall signaled hands-on leadership and center-level engagement plans.
- Anthony Colangelo expects Isaacman to prioritize visiting workers, not just leadership, to shape policy.
Executive Order Locks In Moon Focus
- The White House executive order makes a 2028 lunar landing and a 2030 lunar outpost official but leaves ambiguity on outpost type.
- Colangelo notes the order emphasizes moon policy, omits Mars details, and signals high-level political backing.
MAVEN Likely Lost After Energetic Event
- NASA lost contact with MAVEN after it re-emerged from behind Mars and telemetry showed spin and orbit change.
- Colangelo assesses an energetic event likely caused depressurization or explosion, suggesting MAVEN is likely lost.