Billionaire investor Jared Isaacman has been confirmed to be Nasa’s next chief, capping an unusual nomination process where President Donald Trump put his name forward, withdrew it, and then renominated him.
Isaacman, a 42-year-old amateur jet pilot who became the first non-professional astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, is also the first NASA administrator in decades to come directly from outside government.
For many, the success of his tenure will be decided by one crucial test - whether it can return humans to the Moon ahead of China.
Trump has made clear he wants the US to establish a permanent lunar base, both to enable resource extraction and to serve as a stepping stone to Mars.
On Wednesday, the senate cleared Isaacman's nomination with a 67-30 vote.
