NASA's new chief big on climate, hedges on 2024 moon landing

NASA's new administrator is big on tackling climate and diversifying the agency's workforce

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s new administrator is big on tackling climate and diversifying the agency's workforce, but hedging on whether the U.S. can put astronauts on the moon by 2024. In his first interview since becoming NASA’s top official this week, former Sen. Bill Nelson told The Associated Press on Friday that tracking climate change is a top issue. He also wants to diversify the space agency's workforce so it reflects America. As for landing astronauts on the moon, Nelson said the goal remains 2024, a deadline set by the Trump administration. But he said he needs more time to review the matter, especially with a contract protest over the lunar lander for astronauts. “We all know that space is hard,” he said, noting there are often delays developing new technologies. “But the goal is 2024.”