Jim Bridenstine,
Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate April 19 as NASA’s 13 th administrator. He replaces Gen. Charles Bolden, who retired in January 2017.
In making the announcement, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said he was very pleased to welcome Bridenstine to NASA.
“He joins our great agency at a time when we are poised to accomplish historic milestones across the full spectrum of our work. Jim now takes the reins of this agency and its talented and dedicated workforce. I’m looking forward to him building on our great momentum and sharing our many strengths to help us make the next giant leaps on behalf of humanity. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the NASA team for all they accomplished during my time leading the agency.”
Lightfoot, who has led the agency since Bolden’s retirement, plans to retire himself in May.
Bridenstine, who earned his bachelor’s degree at Rice University, seemed quite pleased to finally be confirmed by the Senate, after waiting almost a year.
“It is an honor to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as NASA Administrator,” Bridenstine said. “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I once again thank President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their confidence. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at NASA to achieve the President’s vision for American leadership in space.”
