Wed Dec 17 21:56:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
Summary:
The U.S. Senate confirmed billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator on December 17, 2025. Nominated by President Trump, Isaacman is a proponent of Mars missions and a former associate of Elon Musk. He replaces acting chief Sean Duffy, and his confirmation comes after emphasizing the need for NASA to accelerate its lunar program to surpass China.
News Article:
Billionaire Astronaut Jared Isaacman Confirmed as NASA Administrator
WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 18, 2025 – The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly yesterday to confirm billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman as the new NASA administrator. The 67-30 vote puts Isaacman, a vocal advocate for Mars missions and former associate of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, at the helm of the nation’s space agency.
President Trump originally nominated Isaacman earlier this year, later removing him and renomintaing him for the position. His confirmation followed a second Senate hearing where Isaacman stressed the urgency for NASA to expedite its lunar program and surpass China’s ambitions to return to the Moon. He emphasized the need for a renewed focus on beating China back to the Moon this decade.
Acting NASA chief Sean Duffy, also head of the U.S. Transportation Department, offered his congratulations on social media, wishing Isaacman success as NASA aims for a lunar return in 2028. The space community now awaits Isaacman’s vision and leadership as NASA embarks on this ambitious new era.
First Piper 