Bill Nelson Retires as NASA Chief; Janet Petro Named Acting 5eq3k Technology News

Bill Nelson retires as NASA ; Janet Petro steps in as acting chief, awaiting Jared Isaacman’s confirmation. 3rc2a

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 24 January 2025 16:00 IST

Bill Nelson Retires as NASA Chief; Janet Petro Named Acting

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons o1y2q

Bill Nelson resigned as NASA as Trump began his second term on January 20, 2021

Highlights

Bill Nelson retires after five decades of public service
Janet Petro appointed acting NASA
Jared Isaacman nominated as permanent NASA chief

ment

Bill Nelson stepped down from his role as NASA as Donald Trump commenced his second presidential term on January 20, 2021. After a career spanning more than five decades in public service, Nelson announced his retirement alongside NASA Deputy Pam Melroy. Janet Petro, previously the director of Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was named acting NASA . Nelson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, calling his tenure a humbling experience.

Petro Appointed as Interim Chief 5f6ny

According to Kennedy Space Center, a vital hub for space exploration initiatives. Meanwhile, President Trump has nominated tech entrepreneur and private spaceflight veteran Jared Isaacman for the permanent role of NASA . Senate confirmation for Isaacman's appointment is awaited.

Nelson's Legacy at NASA 6o3r26

During Nelson's time as NASA chief, several landmark missions were launched. As per agency records, these include the deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope, the DART asteroid mission, the Europa Clipper probe, and Artemis 1—the inaugural flight of the Artemis lunar program initiated during Trump's earlier presidency. Nelson, a former astronaut who flew aboard the STS-61-C mission in 1986, brought a unique perspective to the agency's leadership.

NASA Chief Commends Richard Branson's Space Flight

Advice for Successors 265k35

In an open letter shared on social media, Nelson emphasised the collective responsibility of leading NASA, urging his successor to prioritize humanity's shared aspirations in space exploration. He described NASA's mission as transcending individual ambitions and pledged his for the agency's future endeavors. Petro's tenure as interim chief and Isaacman's potential leadership are expected to play crucial roles in shaping NASA's trajectory under Trump's istration.

Comments

For the latest reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.