Mark Conde, Professor, Space Physics, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), briefs NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, and Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, during a visit to Poker Flat Research Range, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, silver tie, along with Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, pose for a group photo with employees of Poker Flat Research Range and University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Students attend a NASA Town Hall with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, gives remarks ahead of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, left, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with Space Grant students during a Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Russ Vander Lugt, gives remarks ahead of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, center, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with Space Grant students during a Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, left, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with media at the conclusion of a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, center, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with Space Grant students during a Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, left, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with Space Grant students during a Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, left, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, meet with media at the conclusion of a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, presents Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, a plaque including an Alaska state flag that was flown on the Artemis II mission around the Moon, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, 6th from right, Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, 7th from left, and Alaska Space Grant students, pose for a group photograph at a science fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Russ Vander Lugt, left, and Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, listen as NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks student questions during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman takes a selfie with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman takes a selfie with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman poses for a group photograph with members of the Geophysical Institute, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman takes a selfie with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman talks with students during a NASA Town Hall, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, tries a 3D printed lunar regolith simulant chair as he meets with Space Grant students during a Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman holds a hibernating Arctic ground squirrel during a Space Grant Science Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hibernation is a naturally occurring phenomenon in ground squirrels and other species in which metabolic rate and core body temperature are drastically reduced for extended periods. The study looks at the ability of the squirrels to retain muscle and bone mass during extended hibernation and they think it could apply to astronauts. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman holds a hibernating Arctic ground squirrel during a Space Grant Science Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hibernation is a naturally occurring phenomenon in ground squirrels and other species in which metabolic rate and core body temperature are drastically reduced for extended periods. The study looks at the ability of the squirrels to retain muscle and bone mass during extended hibernation and they think it could apply to astronauts. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman holds a hibernating Arctic ground squirrel during a Space Grant Science Science Fare, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hibernation is a naturally occurring phenomenon in ground squirrels and other species in which metabolic rate and core body temperature are drastically reduced for extended periods. The study looks at the ability of the squirrels to retain muscle and bone mass during extended hibernation and they think it could apply to astronauts. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman tours the Geophysical Institute, Alaska Satellite Facility, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, and Wade Albright, Director, Alaska Satellite Facility, talk, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Wade Albright, Director, Alaska Satellite Facility, left, talks with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in Fairbanks, Alaska. NASA’s visit to Alaska is part of the agency's Inspiration Tour, aimed at strengthening connections between NASA and its partners and showcasing innovation in air and space in the lead up to the MAX POWER aerospace technology expo and airshow at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in early November. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)