Trump picks astronaut who had first private spacewalk to lead NASA

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If you’re going to pick someone to lead the U.S. space agency, it’s best to pick someone who knows space:

President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Jared Isaacman as Administrator of NASA, highlighting his extensive expertise in technology, aviation, and space exploration. Trump described Isaacman as a visionary leader, saying, ‘Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in space science, technology, and exploration.’

Isaacman was part of history earlier this year as a crew member of the flight that led to the first commercial spacewalk — a walk performed by Isaacman himself, no less!

He was earlier part of the first private spaceflight altogether – during which he placed the first sports bet in history made from space.

Isaacman has a long flight career, including holding the record for the fastest globe circumnavigation done in a light jet (he pulled it off in just over 60 hours, roughly 20 hours ahead of the earlier world record).

Isaacman this week expressed his gratitude for being nominated to the top NASA spot:

I am honored to receive President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Administrator of NASA. Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history.

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.

I was born after the Moon landings; my children were born after the final space shuttle launch. With the support of President Trump, I can promise you this: We will never again lose our ability to journey to the stars and never settle for second place. 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.

It is the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role and to work alongside NASA’s extraordinary team to realize our shared dreams of exploration and discovery.

Grateful to serve,

Jared