Bill Nelson

Bill Nelson is a Director and Shareholder at Convalt Energy. Prior to joining Convalt as a director, Bill was the 14th Administrator of NASA, served from May 2021 to January 2025, leading the agency through a transformative period marked by landmark missions, technological milestones, and a renewed global focus on space exploration.

Under his leadership, NASA launched the Artemis I mission—an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft—laying the groundwork for humanity’s return to the Moon and future crewed missions to Mars. Nelson’s administration commissioned new lunar landers, spacesuits, and rovers, initiated the Artemis II mission preparations, and enabled the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) landings—marking the first return of the American flag to the Moon since Apollo. During his tenure, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever sent into space, unlocking unprecedented insights into the origins of the universe. Nelson also advanced the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and initiated plans for the Habitable Worlds Observatory, ensuring continued scientific discovery for decades to come.

Nelson oversaw historic milestones in planetary science and innovation including the DART mission (the first successful test of planetary defense), Ingenuity’s first powered flight on Mars, Perseverance’s ongoing discoveries, and the launch of Europa Clipper, the largest planetary spacecraft to date, set to explore Jupiter’s moon for signs of life. He also championed advanced propulsion systems like DRACO, a partnership with DARPA to develop nuclear thermal propulsion, and invested in nuclear electric propulsion for deep space missions.

In Earth science, Nelson expanded NASA’s Earth-observing satellite fleet and spearheaded the Earth System Observatory to improve climate monitoring, disaster response, and agriculture. He launched Earth.gov as a centralized public access point for climate data and opened Earth Information Centers at NASA HQ and the Smithsonian.

Under Nelson’s leadership, NASA launched eight commercial crew missions to the ISS, advancing research in medicine, including cancer treatments, and deepening international collaboration with partners like CSA, ESA, JAXA, and Roscosmos. He also led aeronautics innovation efforts with the development of the X-59 supersonic jet and the X-66 sustainable aircraft, aiming to revolutionize air travel. Nelson helped secure over 50 signatories to the Artemis Accords, promoting peaceful space exploration meeting with twenty heads of state to gain their participation.

Nelson’s NASA tenure was the culmination of nearly 50 years in public service. A Yale and University of Virginia Law graduate, he served as a U.S. Senator (2001–2019), U.S. Representative (1979–1991), and Florida state legislator.

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