Jared Isaacman, an alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the recent commander of the Polaris Dawn mission, where he achieved the milestone of completing the first civilian spacewalk, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead NASA.
In his nomination announcement, Trump praised Isaacman’s enthusiasm for space exploration, his experience as an astronaut, and his commitment to expanding the frontiers of research and the emerging space economy. If the Senate confirms him, Isaacman would take on the role of NASA administrator, ushering in what many hope will be a daring new chapter for the agency.
Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini expressed pride in Isaacman’s achievements, stating that his extensive experience and dedication position him as an exemplary candidate to guide NASA forward.
Isaacman, who graduated in 2011, has maintained strong connections with his alma mater, frequently visiting to engage with students. He is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the undergraduate commencement ceremony at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus and will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler echoed the sentiments of pride regarding Isaacman, highlighting the impact of his work and vision for future space exploration on inspiring the university community.
Leading the charge in private space exploration, Isaacman has achieved several notable milestones. In 2021, he spearheaded the Inspiration4 mission, marking the first time a crew orbited Earth without a government-affiliated astronaut aboard. The Polaris Dawn mission reached a record altitude of 870 miles, the highest since the Apollo missions, and featured the significant achievement of civilian astronauts conducting a spacewalk.
Isaacman financed the Inspiration4 expedition, which also sought to raise vital funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In collaboration with SpaceX on the Polaris Dawn mission, he has facilitated unique research opportunities for Embry-Riddle students and faculty, including the deployment of a student-designed multi-camera system aboard the Dragon capsule.
Reflecting on the project and its intersection with his roots at Embry-Riddle, Isaacman expressed his excitement about contributing to space exploration through collaboration with the university’s students.
This nomination not only represents a pivotal moment for Isaacman but also for the future of space exploration as an inspiring alumnus takes on a potentially transformative role at NASA. Isaacman’s journey and achievements serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of what dedicated individuals can achieve when they pursue their passions, encouraging new generations of explorers and innovators in the field of aerospace.