NBAA urged the Senate Commerce Committee to support the nomination of Jared Isaacman to become the next NASA administrator. The White House nominated Isaacman in January to succeed Bill Nelson, who had stepped down as the new administration arrived.
The Senate panel yesterday held a confirmation hearing on the nomination. Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) noted that with Isaacman’s background in the commercialization of space exploration, “He brings a unique perspective to challenges facing NASA and the space industry.”
Known for commanding Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit, Isaacman has founded Shift4, a payments solution provider, and defense contractor Draken International. NBAA honored him in 2023 with its Meritorious Service to Aviation Award for his groundbreaking contributions to aviation and aerospace, as well as his charitable work. In 2009, he set a round-the-world record in his Cessna Citation Mustang to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Jared is exceptionally qualified to lead NASA at this critical point in the history of aeronautics and astronautics. As a renowned civilian astronaut, accomplished aviator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mr. Isaacman is an aerospace trailblazer,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said.
In a letter to the committee, Bolen noted that Isaacman’s aviation experience is particularly important given NASA’s collaboration with the FAA on safety and technology efforts such as the voluntary Aviation Safety Reporting System and research on integration of advanced air mobility into the national airspace.