The next giant leap in space will happen hundreds of thousands of miles away. But some of the technology that gets us there is being built right here in our own backyard, at Iowa State University in Ames.
What’s new: This week, I welcomed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Deputy Energy Secretary James Danly to Ames as NASA prepares to establish humanity’s first lunar outpost near the Moon’s South Pole. The plan starts with robotic missions and grows into a permanent base where astronauts can live, work, conduct research, and test the technology needed to eventually reach Mars and beyond. ⬇️
Iowa State is already helping build that future. Right now, Iowa students and researchers are developing high-powered rockets, autonomous lunar construction robots, and technology to excavate frozen lunar soil and safely build infrastructure on the Moon.
What we’re doing: That kind of breakthrough work needs strong federal partners. We’ve delivered investments in Iowa’s skilled trades and provided support for research at our state’s universities developing the Iowa-made navigation, energy, and defense technology that strengthens America both on Earth and in space.
Why it matters: For young Iowans, this is a shot at a high-skill, high-wage career right here at home. And the stakes reach past one lab in Ames — the next space race will be won by the country that leads in AI, advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy, and the workforce behind them.
Bottom Line: America is going back to the Moon, and the technology that gets us there should be designed and built by Iowans. That means good-paying jobs and a stronger national defense, built right here at home. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Iowa leads the way.