NASA's Next Chapter: 5 Key Priorities for Jared Isaacman's Leadership

NASA is on the cusp of a new era, with private astronaut Jared Isaacman poised to take the reins as the space agency's 15th administrator. After a long summer and fall of uncertainty, Isaacman has been renominated to lead NASA, and there appears to be momentum behind getting him confirmed quickly. It is possible, although far from a lock, that the Senate could finalize his nomination before the end of this year. Lori Garver, who served as NASA's deputy administrator under President Obama, believes Isaacman has already garnered tremendous support from nearly everyone in the space community. "This should give him a tail wind as he inevitably will have to make tough calls," she said. Garver worked for a Democratic administration, and its nuances have given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing NASA. Years of neglect, changing priorities, mismanagement, creeping bureaucracy, meeting bloat, and other factors have taken their toll on the space agency. Despite its many accomplishments, NASA is still struggling to find its footing. The agency's budget has been stagnant, and its workforce has been plagued by low morale and high turnover rates. The lack of clear direction and leadership has hindered NASA's ability to innovate and push the boundaries of space exploration. Isaacman's nomination comes at a critical time for NASA. The agency is facing a number of pressing challenges, including the need to develop a new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and a new crew vehicle, the Orion spacecraft. NASA is also struggling to meet its ambitious goals for returning humans to the Moon by 2025 and establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. Garver believes that Isaacman's private sector experience and his ability to bring people together will be key assets in his new role. "He has a unique ability to inspire and motivate people, and I think that's going to be essential in getting NASA back on track," she said. The confirmation process is expected to be a lengthy one, with several committees and subcommittees involved. However, with the support of the space community and the momentum behind his nomination, Isaacman is likely to face a relatively smooth ride. If confirmed, he will take the reins at a critical time for NASA, and his leadership will be crucial in shaping the agency's future. As the confirmation process unfolds, NASA will continue to face a number of challenges, including the need to develop a new budget and a new strategic plan. The agency will also need to address the concerns of its workforce and the public about the direction and priorities of the agency. With Isaacman at the helm, NASA is poised to embark on a new era of exploration and discovery, but the road ahead will be long and difficult.