New NASA Boss May Not Take Over Till Next Year, Acting Head Says

NASA might be without a new administrator until early 2026, according to the acting head of the agency, casting doubts on the direction of the US space program after President Donald Trump last month pulled the nomination of Elon Musk’s ally, Jared Isaacman.

The earliest a new nominee could start the job might be in October but the process could last into March, Janet Petro, NASA’s acting administrator, said on Tuesday in an interview.

Once Trump names a new nominee, that person will need to be vetted and confirmed by the US Senate, which makes it a longer ...