After NASA's chief Jim Bridenstine's resigned yesterday (Jan. 20), President Joe Biden's administration has appointed Steve Jurczyk to serve as acting administrator until the role is permanently filled.

Biden has not yet announced a nominee to lead the agency permanently.

Trump nominated Bridenstine to lead the agency in September 2017, but the confirmation process was contentious and the Senate did not approve the nomination until April 2018, leaving NASA in the hands of acting administrator Robert Lightfoot for 15 months.

Bridenstine was the 13th NASA administrator and the first to lead the agency after serving in  an elected office; he represented Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

And the agency, like the rest of the federal government, is confronting a twin crisis of public and economic health prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic!

"These public servants, like so many across the federal government, are dedicated to serving the American people, not a political party or agenda," Biden said in a statement announcing the acting leads of dozens of government agencies.

I am thankful for their willingness to step up to lead during these difficult times and help us make sure the government continues to operate and serve the American people.".