NASA needs to be more strategic in forming international partnerships as the global race to the Moon evolves into a high-stakes competition for extraterrestrial resources and territory, according to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Speaking to a group of military leaders and defense contractors near Washington, DC, Isaacman emphasized that the 21st-century lunar race is not just ideological but also about securing access to valuable resources and strategic locations on the Moon. The Moon's south pole contains significant deposits of water ice, found in the permanently shadowed regions of craters where sunlight never reaches. This ice could be vital for sustaining human presence on the Moon, as it can be converted into water, oxygen, and rocket fuel. These resources would support the establishment of a permanent lunar base and serve as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars. The Moon's surface area is roughly equivalent to that of Africa, and the south pole, in particular, has limited accessible locations—similar to how a city like Washington, DC has only so many roads and parking spots. Certain high ridges near the ice deposits receive nearly constant sunlight, making them ideal for power generation. These features make the south pole a highly desirable location for future lunar settlements and scientific exploration. Isaacman stressed that the primary goal of going to the Moon is to develop the skills and technologies needed for future Mars missions. However, he warned that there are only a limited number of accessible and strategic locations on the Moon that can serve as training grounds for these endeavors. He noted that China, in partnership with Russia, is also targeting these same areas, potentially limiting the opportunities available to the United States for its space ambitions. This growing competition underscores the need for NASA to be more selective and strategic in its international collaborations.