Former astronaut and senator nominated as Nasa chief

Bill Nelson, a US senator and one-time astronaut, has been nominated to be the next head of Nasa.

The 78-year-old is seen as a moderate Democrat, and his nomination by President Joe Biden on Friday drew bipartisan praise.

He will need to be confirmed in the Senate before he can take up the role.

Mr Nelson said he was "honoured" to be picked to lead the US space agency, adding that he would "help lead Nasa into an exciting future".