NASA's Next Boss: A Billionaire, Not an Astronaut

The US Senate has confirmed Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. He is the first person chosen to run the space agency who is not a former astronaut or a career government scientist. Isaacman is a 41-year-old billionaire businessman and skilled pilot. He founded a payment-processing company. He is also known for funding and commanding the first all-private astronaut mission to orbit Earth. The Senate approved his nomination by a vote of 67 to 30. He was nominated for the role by President Donald Trump. As the new NASA Administrator, Isaacman will set the agency's priorities and manage its budget. His main tasks will include overseeing the return of US astronauts to the Moon and planning future missions to Mars. His appointment marks a significant shift for NASA. It places a private-sector entrepreneur with hands-on spaceflight experience in charge of America's civilian space program.