Billionaire's Leaked NASA Overhaul Plan Sparks Controversy

In May 2025, billionaire Jared Isaacman, who was recently renominated to lead NASA, outlined a comprehensive plan for the space agency in a 62-page document titled "Project Athena." The leaked document, which was drafted around the same time as the Trump administration's budget request, proposes a range of ambitious and controversial changes.

Isaacman's plan includes revamping some NASA centers to focus on nuclear electric propulsion, establishing a new Mars exploration program, and embracing an "accelerate/fix/delete" philosophy to reshape the agency. If enacted, these policies could significantly alter the day-to-day operations of NASA and transform the 67-year-old space agency.

However, the leaked document has sparked a power struggle within the government. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is temporarily running NASA, is believed to have been behind the leak in an effort to spur controversy and potentially thwart Isaacman's renomination. Duffy has reportedly expressed interest in holding the NASA administrator job permanently.

The proposed changes have also raised concerns among some lawmakers, particularly those whose states house major NASA facilities that could be affected by the overhaul. Despite the controversy, Isaacman remains committed to his vision and believes the plan can help NASA succeed in the long run.