President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, to serve as the next Administrator of NASA.
Isaacman, founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payments, has actively participated in private space missions, including commanding SpaceX’s Inspiration4 in 2021 and the Polaris Dawn mission this year, which was the first private human spacewalk.
In a post on X, Isaacman expressed his honor at the nomination and emphasized his commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in space exploration. He highlighted the potential of space for breakthroughs in various industries and envisioned a thriving space economy enabling people to live and work beyond Earth.
“Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history,” said Isaacman.
I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2024
“On my last mission to space, my crew and I traveled farther from Earth than anyone in over half a century. I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun. 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—one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space. At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities and usher in an era where humanity becomes a true spacefaring civilization,” he said.
“Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth,” he concluded.
If confirmed, Isaacman will succeed former Florida Senator Bill Nelson, who has led NASA since 2021.
