New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- After months of political uncertainty and intense scrutiny, tech billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as the next administrator of the US space agency, positioning a commercial space advocate at NASA's helm just weeks before a landmark Artemis mission.

The US Senate on Wednesday approved Isaacman's appointment by a 67-30 vote, bringing an end to a protracted nomination process that had repeatedly stalled amid shifting political alliances. Isaacman becomes NASA's 15th administrator at a pivotal moment for the agency's lunar ambitions and broader competition with China.

Acting NASA Chief Sean Duffy, who also leads the US Transportation Department, congratulated Isaacman on X, wishing Is...