Former Astronauts Voice Support For Isaacman

Keith’s note: Last week a large group of former NASA astronauts sent a letter to Senators Cruz and Cantwell in support of Jared Isaacman’s nomination to be NASA Administrator. His (re)nomination hearing will be held on Wednesday. Letter below.

November 22, 2025
The Honorable Ted Cruz
Chair, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Maria Cantwell
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,

We, the undersigned former NASA Astronauts, write again to express our continued support for the confirmation of Jared Isaacman as the next Administrator of NASA.

Having dedicated our careers and lives to support NASA and space exploration, we are deeply concerned about the Agency’s future. It is critical that NASA maintains its position as the preeminent space development organization. Our nation is at a turning point where we face international competition from China and we are increasingly cognizant of the geopolitical importance of space. It is crucial that we have a NASA Administrator who champions and delivers the kind of revolutionary advancements in space that only NASA can achieve while also fully leveraging the capabilities and opportunities presented by a rapidly advancing commercial space sector and the steady international support from our partner nations.

We believe that Jared Isaacman is clearly qualified to lead NASA at this critical juncture. As an entrepreneur, pilot, and commander of two groundbreaking space missions, he brings credibility and capability to make a difference now. Most importantly, Jared has a genuine passion for space exploration and a genuine admiration for NASA as an American institution. He will bring renewed energy and sense of purpose to NASA.

NASA is facing many challenges right now including the rapidly approaching launch of the Artemis II mission. We therefore urge the Senate to move expeditiously towards Mr. Isaacman’s confirmation.

Thank you for your attention. We appreciate your commitment to ensuring NASA has the vision, expertise, and leadership necessary to advance America’s space ambitions.

Sincerely,

Charles F. Bolden Jr.
Robert Cabana
Greg Chamitoff
Cady Coleman
Leroy Chiao
Ken Cockrell
Drew Feustel
Jack Fischer
Mike Foreman
Ron Garan
Linda Godwin
John Grunsfeld
Ken Ham
Jose Hernandez
John Herrington
Rick Hieb
Joan Higginbotham
Scott Kelly
Shane Kimbrough
Wendy Lawrence
Steve Lindsey
Leland Melvin
Michael Lopez-Alegria
Ed Lu
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger
Bill McArthur
Stephen Oswald
William Readdy
Garrett Reisman
Stephen Robinson
Rusty Schweickart
Nicole Stott
Steve Swanson
Jim Voss
Peggy Whitson
George Zamka