U.S. President elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator.

“Jared’s passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era,” says Trump.

Isaacman, born in 1983, is a wealthy entrepreneur, pilot, philanthropist, and astronaut.

In 2021, Isaacman commanded Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight. The mission raised significant funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Earlier this year, Isaacman led the Polaris Dawn mission, performing the first private spacewalk.

“This is terrific news,” says former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver.

“I am honored to receive President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Administrator of NASA,” says Isaacman. “We will inspire children, yours and mine, to look up and dream of what is possible. Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth.”

Isaacman adds that space holds unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and perhaps even pathways to new sources of energy. “There will inevitably be a thriving space economy,” he says.

The future of NASA

Isaacman could bring a unique blend of experience and vision to NASA. His background as a successful entrepreneur demonstrates his leadership in business, crucial for managing NASA’s extensive budget and partnerships.

Isaacman’s passion for space, combined with his role in advancing private space travel, aligns with NASA’s mission to inspire and push the boundaries of discovery.

If Trump’s nomination is confirmed by the Senate, Isaacman’s position as NASA Administrator could lead to innovative approaches in fostering public-private collaborations and enhancing the commercial space sector. His leadership would likely advance progress towards returning humans to the Moon, and exploring Mars.

Isaacman is generally liked and less controversial than other Trump’s nominees, and this could speed up the confirmation process.

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