Bill Nelson stepped down as NASA Administrator on January 20, 2025, marking the end of his 53-year public service career.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy also left the agency.

Janet Petro, former director of Kennedy Space Center, has been appointed interim NASA chief by President Trump.

Nelson, a former U.S. senator and astronaut, led NASA through key projects like the James Webb Space Telescope and Artemis 1, Space.com has reported.

In a farewell message, Nelson offered advice to his successor, Jared Isaacman, nominated by Trump to lead NASA, emphasizing that space exploration is a collective, enduring mission beyond any individual or nation.

Written by B.C. Begley