Former Astronauts Advocate for Isaacman as NASA Administrator
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nearly thirty former NASA astronauts have signed a letter throwing their support behind Jared Isaacman to be the next administrator of the space agency. The letter urges the Senate to promptly consider his nomination.
Strong Endorsement from Space Veterans
The communication, directed to the leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee, characterizes Isaacman as “uniquely qualified” to helm NASA. It further requests that a confirmation hearing be scheduled for him without delay.
“We are convinced that Jared Isaacman possesses exceptional qualifications to guide NASA at this crucial moment,” the letter asserts. “As an entrepreneur, experienced pilot, and commander of two pioneering space missions, he brings both credibility and the capability to make a significant impact immediately.” Garrett Reisman, one of the 28 former astronauts who signed, shared the letter on social media on March 21.
I am one of 28 former NASA Astronauts who signed this letter supporting Jared Isaacman for the position of NASA Administrator. In the words of the letter, “Jared has a genuine passion for space exploration and will bring a renewed energy and sense of purpose to NASA.”
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— Garrett Reisman (@astro-g-dogg.bsky.social) March 21, 2025 at 7:05 PM
“Jared’s vision and business expertise will enable NASA to maintain its leadership role and achieve its objectives of exploration, inspiration, and discovery,” the letter continues, “while simultaneously expanding commercial opportunities for all Americans. He has a genuine enthusiasm for space exploration and will inject fresh vigor and a clear sense of direction into NASA.”
Isaacman’s Background and Nomination
Isaacman, the billionaire founder of payment processing firm Shift4, was announced as the Trump administration’s intended nominee for NASA administrator in December. His nomination became formally official on January 20, Inauguration Day. Within the space sector, Isaacman is widely recognized as the commander of the Inspiration4 private astronaut mission in September 2021 and the Polaris Dawn mission three years later.
Senate Committee Consideration Pending
The Senate Commerce Committee, responsible for overseeing the nomination, has not yet scheduled a hearing. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the committee chairman, indicated in February that they were “still awaiting the completion of paperwork” before a hearing could be arranged.
“NASA faces a demanding mission and therefore requires consistent leadership. We strongly encourage the Senate Commerce Committee to convene Mr. Isaacman’s confirmation hearing as soon as feasible,” the former astronauts emphasized in their letter.
Signatories Include Space Program Veterans
The signatories are largely comprised of astronauts who served on space shuttle and space station missions. Notably, Rusty Schweickart, an Apollo 9 astronaut from 1969, also signed. Other prominent signatories are Bob Cabana, former director of the Kennedy Space Center and NASA associate administrator; Bill Readdy, previously associate administrator for space operations; and John Grunsfeld, a veteran of multiple Hubble Space Telescope repair missions who later held the position of associate administrator for science.
Further Support from Former NASA Leadership
Support for Isaacman extends beyond astronauts. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, speaking at the Satellite 2025 conference on March 11, voiced his expectation that Isaacman would be an “amazing” NASA administrator.
“I believe he possesses all the necessary attributes to potentially be the most impactful NASA administrator in this current era,” Bridenstine stated about Isaacman. He urged the Senate to swiftly confirm the nomination. “The faster his confirmation proceeds, the better for NASA. Prolonging this situation is detrimental to the agency.”