For better or worse, NASA finally has a new leader

After months of waiting, NASA finally has a leader again. 

Oklahoma congressman Jim Bridenstine — President Donald Trump's pick to lead the space agency — was just confirmed by the Senate to become the next NASA administrator after an ugly battle that left NASA without a White House-appointed leader for about 15 months.

That marks the longest time NASA has gone without a presidential appointee leading the agency.

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The vote played out mostly along party lines, with 50 votes going for Bridenstine, and 49 against. This is a very partisan result for confirmation of a NASA administrator, and it could put him in a relatively weak position when taking over the agency.

Bridenstine's confirmation was spurred on by the fact that NASA's acting administrator Robert Lightfoot decided to retire at the end of April, potentially leaving a major leadership gap at the agency. 

Bridenstine's appointment was met with resistance in the Senate from the beginning. 

Senators on both sides of the aisle argued that Bridenstine is too politically divisive, wasn't qualified to lead such a large organization, and has no scientific experience to speak of.

Democrats were, for the most part, firmly against his appointment from the start. Even some Republicans were against Bridenstine before ultimately voting in favor of him.

“While I wish the President would have nominated a space professional to run NASA, the unexpected April 30 retirement of the Acting Administrator would leave NASA, an agency whose mission is vital to Florida, with a gaping leadership void unless we confirm a new Administrator," Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican, said in a statement ahead of the vote. 

"Because of this I decided to support the nomination of Rep. Bridenstine. I expect him to lead NASA in a non-political way and to treat Florida fairly.”

The former congressman is known for his divisive politics and controversial views on climate change and LGBTQ rights. 

A recent investigation by the Daily Beast also found that Bridenstine mismanaged the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, using the nonprofit to financially benefit himself. 

Democrats hammered Bridenstine for his views on LGBTQ rights during committee hearings. 

"You're going to be in a position not just managing people, but at least in my eyes, you're up for an office to be one of the most inspiring leaders in America, where children will look to you," Sen. Cory Booker said during a November hearing.

"...Tell me how you think a child will view a leader who thinks they are immoral or engaging in immoral acts."

Bridenstine co-sponsored a bill that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, and he was against the order made by former President Barack Obama allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that most closely corresponds with their gender identity, not what's written on their birth certificates.

This record is particularly troubling in light of the fact that Bridenstine will be responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the approximately 18,000 public servants working for NASA, many of whom likely identify as something other than straight or cisgender.  

While Bridenstine's views on climate change have evolved somewhat, they still don't fully align with the clear scientific consensus supported by data gathered by many NASA missions and scientists over the years.

In November, Bridenstine agreed that humans have contributed to climate change, but he stopped short of agreeing that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are the main cause of global warming.

As the already embattled leader takes on his new role, we'll see exactly how much his views evolve as the agency moves forward and what that means for those who work with him.

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