Trump nominates Jared Isaacman to lead NASA as administrator. Isaacman is an entrepreneur and commander of two private spaceflight missions. Photo: Polaris Dawn

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated billionaire and commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA as administrator. Isaacman is an entrepreneur and the founder of Shift4 and Draken International, and known in commercial space for commanding two private spaceflight missions on SpaceX Dragon capsules. 

“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,” Trump said in a Dec. 4 statement announcing the appointment. 

Isaacman led the crew of Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn, two commercial human spaceflight missions with all-civilian crews. The Polaris Dawn mission, which took place in September, flew the farthest anyone has been since NASA’s Apollo program and performed the first commercial spacewalk. 

He is also the founder and CEO of Shift4 a payment processing company and co-founder of private air force Draken International. He is a pilot and qualified in experimental and ex-military aircraft. 

Isaacman highlighted his passion and personal experience in space in a statement about his nomination, along with his belief in the potential of the space economy. 

“I can confidently say this second space age has only just begun,” Isaacman said. “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.” 

“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,” he added. “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.” 

If he is confirmed, Isaacman will be NASA’s 15th administrator. He will succeed current administrator and former Florida Senator Bill Nelson.