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.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system as part of pressure to secure a critical minerals deal. The discussions come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over repayment for wartime aid.
The United States has put forward a draft United Nations resolution marking the third anniversary of the Ukraine war, setting up a clash with Kyiv and European allies who have been negotiating their own text for a General Assembly vote on Monday.
The Kremlin confirmed a mutual desire for a Trump–Putin meeting to discuss ending the Ukraine war, though details remain unsettled as both sides work on preparing a productive encounter.
Vatican City, February 17, 2025 – Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, according to a statement from the Vatican.
Cupertino, CA, February 17, 2025 – Apple today released the first developer beta for iOS 18.4, unveiling a new “Priority Notifications” feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
Menlo Park, CA, February 17, 2025 – Newly unsealed court documents from the case Kadrey v. Meta shed light on internal discussions among Meta employees about the use of copyrighted materials to train the company’s artificial intelligence models.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Vatican City, February 17, 2025 – Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, according to a statement from the Vatican.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is asking Congress for nearly $40 billion in disaster funding to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild areas scorched by last month's devastating wildfires, the Washington Post reported on Friday citing a letter.
A second meeting between representatives of Russia and the United States is planned for the next two weeks, the RIA state news agency reported on Saturday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
Washington, D.C., February 21, 2025 – U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service unless Kyiv reaches an agreement to grant the United States greater access to its critical minerals.
Vatican City, February 17, 2025 – Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, according to a statement from the Vatican.
Cupertino, CA, February 17, 2025 – Apple today released the first developer beta for iOS 18.4, unveiling a new “Priority Notifications” feature powered by Apple Intelligence.
BERLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - NATO is planning to build a pipeline system from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure a rapid supply of jet fuel for fighter aircraft in the event of a war with Russia, weekly German magazine Der Spiegel reported.
Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
Menlo Park, CA, February 17, 2025 – Newly unsealed court documents from the case Kadrey v. Meta shed light on internal discussions among Meta employees about the use of copyrighted materials to train the company’s artificial intelligence models.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment