From basement start-up to private spacewalk: The rise of Jared Isaacman, new chief of NASA

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and skilled pilot, has emerged as a key player in the realms of financial technology and aerospace. His remarkable journey began at the tender age of 16 when he left high school to launch a payment processing venture from his parents' basement in New Jersey. Initially named United Bank Card, his company has evolved into Shift4 Payments, a platform designed to streamline the complexities of setting up credit card terminals for small businesses. With a modest $10,000 investment from his grandfather, Isaacman created a business that now processes over $200 billion in transactions annually for a vast array of clients, including renowned hotels and restaurant chains. In parallel to his entrepreneurial achievements, Isaacman's passion for aviation flourished. He set a world record in 2009 for the fastest flight around the globe in a light jet. This passion culminated in the founding of Draken International in 2011, which boasts one of the largest fleets of retired military fighter jets globally and offers tactical flight training to the U.S. Air Force. Isaacman's strategic acumen led him to sell a majority share of Draken to Blackstone for hundreds of millions of dollars. Isaacman gained widespread recognition through his partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. In 2021, he commanded Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit Earth, which successfully raised over $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His ambitions reached new heights in September 2024 with the Polaris Dawn mission, which achieved the highest orbit of any human since the Apollo moon landings and saw Isaacman executing the first-ever private spacewalk, testing new SpaceX spacesuits. Despite his wealth, Isaacman is characterized by his disciplined approach and focus on high-risk ventures. His current work with the Polaris Programme is dedicated to advancing the technologies necessary for prolonged space exploration. While his business success has made him a billionaire, his readiness to undertake perilous missions has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the emerging era of commercial space travel.