The US President-elect, Donald Trump, has appointed Jared Isaacman, a prominent astronaut and billionaire, as an administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

He will be in charge of steering the US and NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration in achieving space science, technology, and exploration.

Isaacman has an experience and passion for astronomy and space science of over 25 years and has demonstrated exceptional administration and leadership skills in various innovation initiatives that have solidified the US position as a champion of space science.

“I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot, and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),” Trump said.

Isaacman also took to his X account to express his appreciation of Trump’s trust in him to head and inspire America’s present and future generations of space scientists.

He also shared his experience of viewing planet Earth from space as “the most incredible adventure in human history” and promised to create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space.

“It is the honour of a lifetime to serve in this role and to work alongside NASA’s extraordinary team to realize our shared dreams of exploration and discovery,” Isaacman said.

He is the founder and CEO of Shift4, an American payment processing company that he founded in 1999.

Isaacman is also the co-founder and former CEO of Draken International, a defense aerospace company serving under the US. Department of Defense.