The White House has nominated Matthew Anderson, a retired Air Force colonel and Space Force advocate, as NASA’s deputy administrator.

Anderson, who has limited direct experience with NASA, previously served as a pilot and liaison officer and now works with the Space Force Association and defense contractor CACI.

His nomination, alongside Jared Isaacman’s for NASA administrator, has surprised some in the space industry, but NASA’s acting head praised his outside perspective and potential to strengthen partnerships, Space News has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley