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.

Isaacman has led and funded two SpaceX missions to date - now, US president-elect Donald Trump has tapped him to head Nasa as the agency moves towards more commercial operations US president-elect Donald Trump has been busy making his cabinet picks,

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.

Fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman, founder of Shift4 and SpaceX mission commander, is Trump's pick to lead NASA.

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.

Donald Trump, whose own wealth has been estimated to top $5 billion, is bringing on a series of billionaires to join his administration. The most prominent is Elon Musk, who is taking an outside role.

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.