Axios

President Biden has picked former Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida) to lead NASA.

Why it matters: Nelson has been a staunch political advocate for the space agency for decades, even flying aboard the space shuttle in 1986.

NASA staged a successful test of its massive Space Launch System rocket, designed to take people to deep space destinations like Mars one day.

Why it matters: This test was the SLS' last big milestone before its first test flight, potentially launching later this year. The rocket is billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule.

Almost a half of the United States — a tract of land stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Great Plains and upper Midwest — is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.

Why it matters: Conditions have prompted weather and agriculture officials to warn of water cutback in California, increased wildfires in the Southwest and damage to wheat crops around the country, according to AP.