NASA has announced that the next Artemis mission is delayed to no earlier than April 2026, with the subsequent Artemis III mission pushed back to mid-2027. This news comes as the agency prepares for a change in leadership, with entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman nominated to take the reins as NASA Administrator.

Isaacman, who has no prior political experience, will oversee a $25 billion budget and a workforce of more than 18,000 people. As Administrator, he will be responsible for guiding major scientific initiatives, including those focused on climate change and the solar system. His leadership will be crucial during what could be one of the most consequential periods in NASA history.

The Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon by 2024, has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. The latest delays will undoubtedly impact the program's overall timeline and budget. However, with Isaacman at the helm, NASA may be poised for a fresh approach to its mission.

In other space-related news, SpinLaunch, a startup developing an alternative system for delivering satellites and other payloads to orbit, recently closed $11 million in new funding. Although the company was reportedly considering a much higher sum earlier this year, the new investment will likely support its continued development efforts.

This week also marks a significant milestone in space history – the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, which saw the last humans walk on the moon. The mission, which took place from December 7-19, 1972, was the final crewed lunar landing under NASA's Apollo program. As the agency looks to the future with the Artemis program, it's fitting to reflect on its past achievements.

As the space industry continues to evolve, the appointment of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator and the delays to the Artemis missions will have significant implications for the future of space exploration. With a new leader at the helm, NASA may be poised for a new era of innovation and discovery.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Artemis program and NASA's new leadership, as well as developments in the private space industry. For more information on space technology and innovation, follow TechCrunch Space.