Bill Nelson has stepped down as NASA administrator, marking the end of an illustrious 53-year career in public service. Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy officially left the agency on Monday, January 20, coinciding with the start of Donald Trump’s second term as president.
Janet Petro, who previously served as director of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, has been appointed by President Trump as NASA’s acting administrator.
In a farewell message shared on the social media platform X, Nelson expressed his gratitude, writing, “As I leave public office today after 53 years, thank you for the great privilege of a lifetime of serving the people of our country. I am humbled and grateful.”
Nelson, a member of the Democratic Party, began his political career in 1972 when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Six years later, he moved to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 9th congressional district, an area closely tied to America’s space exploration efforts due to its proximity to KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
In January 1986, Nelson made history by flying aboard the space shuttle Columbia during mission STS-61-C, becoming the first sitting U.S. House member to travel to space. The mission’s pilot, Charlie Bolden, would later serve as NASA administrator under President Barack Obama.
Nelson’s flight came just days before the Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, which claimed the lives of seven astronauts and profoundly shaped NASA’s safety protocols and mission planning in the years to come.
Leading NASA Through a New Era
Appointed as NASA administrator in May 2021 by President Joe Biden, Nelson presided over significant milestones, including the Artemis program’s progress toward returning humans to the Moon, the successful deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope, and the growing role of private companies in space exploration.
Nelson’s departure signals a shift in leadership for NASA as Trump begins his second term. Janet Petro, known for her tenure at KSC, brings extensive experience in space operations and management to the interim role. The long-term trajectory of NASA under Trump’s administration remains a key area of focus, particularly regarding Mars exploration, lunar initiatives, and international partnerships.
As Nelson transitions out of public service, his contributions to space exploration and advocacy remain a significant part of his legacy.
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Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the Taliban of holding American citizens to gain political concessions and demanding the immediate release of detained Americans.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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