Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Jan 18, 2026
Outside the box.
White House Resubmits NASA Deputy Administrator Nominee as Senate Process Continues
President Trump renominates retired Air Force colonel Matthew Anderson to serve as NASA’s deputy administrator as part of ongoing leadership appointments
President Donald Trump has formally resubmitted the nomination of Matthew P. Anderson to serve as the deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, renewing the nomination for Senate consideration after the previous nomination lapsed.
Anderson, a retired United States Air Force colonel and aerospace executive, was first nominated in May 2025 and his name was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, but the confirmation process did not conclude before the end of the congressional session.
The renomination, transmitted on January 13, 2026, ensures that Anderson’s candidacy remains active and will again be considered for confirmation by the Senate.
Anderson brings more than twenty-four years of military service to the nomination, having served in senior space and defence liaison roles, including assignments with U.S. Space Command, U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
In his civilian career he has held executive leadership positions at CACI International and the Space Force Association, where he has been involved in national security and space operations initiatives.
Acting NASA leadership and supporters have emphasised that his expertise in space operations and aeronautics could contribute to advancing NASA’s exploration and mission objectives.
The deputy administrator role is the second-highest position at NASA, responsible for collaborating with the NASA administrator on policy, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Anderson’s renomination comes as the administration continues to build its leadership team at the agency, following the confirmation and swearing-in of the agency’s administrator late in 2025. The Senate will now review Anderson’s nomination anew, with hearings and committee action expected to determine whether he will be confirmed to help guide NASA’s strategic direction and space exploration programmes in the years ahead.
Anderson, a retired United States Air Force colonel and aerospace executive, was first nominated in May 2025 and his name was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, but the confirmation process did not conclude before the end of the congressional session.
The renomination, transmitted on January 13, 2026, ensures that Anderson’s candidacy remains active and will again be considered for confirmation by the Senate.
Anderson brings more than twenty-four years of military service to the nomination, having served in senior space and defence liaison roles, including assignments with U.S. Space Command, U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
In his civilian career he has held executive leadership positions at CACI International and the Space Force Association, where he has been involved in national security and space operations initiatives.
Acting NASA leadership and supporters have emphasised that his expertise in space operations and aeronautics could contribute to advancing NASA’s exploration and mission objectives.
The deputy administrator role is the second-highest position at NASA, responsible for collaborating with the NASA administrator on policy, strategic planning, and operational oversight.
Anderson’s renomination comes as the administration continues to build its leadership team at the agency, following the confirmation and swearing-in of the agency’s administrator late in 2025. The Senate will now review Anderson’s nomination anew, with hearings and committee action expected to determine whether he will be confirmed to help guide NASA’s strategic direction and space exploration programmes in the years ahead.
