Isaacman's nomination to serve as the next administrator of NASA came on Dec. 4. Donald Trump, in his first space-related move ahead of his incoming second administration, noted Isaacman's business achievements and stated his belief that the private astronaut could spur on the agency.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated billionaire entrepreneur and private space traveler Jared Isaacman to become the next NASA administrator. It came as a surprise to many, as Isaacman was not on anyone’s short list.

Isaacman's appointment has been widely welcomed, though some concerns have emerged about his role as a prominent SpaceX client.

Unlike previous NASA administrators, Trump’s pick for the role isn’t a politician, scientist or engineer, but a billionaire entrepreneur.

The next NASA administrator Jared Isaacman talks about using Space to make the United States more economically competitive.

Jared Isaacman, after his spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission, gave the commencement address to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduates.

Central Florida saw a record number of space launches, marking a significant year for space exploration and setting the stage for future missions. Crew 8 lifted off in March, marking the eighth SpaceX mission in the commercial crew program.

NASA administrators are also accountable to elected officials. Administrators are appointed by the president but must be confirmed by the Senate. Congress has a great deal to say about the budget that NASA gets each year. They also must authorize major programs, like the Artemis program, which aims to return the U.S. and its partners to the moon.

With 2024 coming to a close, we look at the biggest space achievements of the year from NASA, SpaceX, China, and more.

"These X-rays are powered by winds flowing from the young, massive stars that are sprinkled throughout the cluster," NASA said. "The extended cloud in the Chandra data likely comes from the overlapping X-ray glow of thousands of young, low-mass stars in the cluster."

Trump tapped Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for ambassador to Italy—putting him on a growing list of billionaires selected for administration roles.

Trump named Mark Burnett as his pick for special envoy to the U.K., noting Burnett’s career as a producer for shows like “Survivor,” “Shark Tank,” “The Voice” and Trump’s “The Apprentice” in announcing the choice. Burnett is the former chairman of MGM and a 13-time Emmy Award winner.