Billings native appointed to "big role" in NASA

Billings native and former Senior High Bronc Mike Gold was sworn in as senior advisor of NASA by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines in Washington D.C. Tuesday.

“It’s truly my honor," Daines, a Montana Republican, said during the ceremony at his D.C. office.

<div class="Figure-credit" itemprop="author">Daines Office

According to Tuesday release from Daines' staff, Gold worked previously for the Montana Department of Commerce, where he established a statewide entity to pursue aerospace-related economic development.

In his appointed role as senior advisor, Gold will oversee the Office of International and Interagency Affairs, along with the Office of the General Counsel.

"In this position you will serve as the special advisor to the NASA Administrator, you’ll provide strategic direction, guidance, and oversight consistent with administration priorities for NASA’S office of international and interagency relations and office of the general council," Daines said.

Specifically, Daines said Gold will look at ways to "bolster commercialization in low earth orbit." And expand the space economy to the moon and eventually Mars with private and international partnerships.

The ceremony in D.C. was packed with Gold's family, friends, and colleagues, some of whom flew in from Montana. They Included Gold's mother, who runs a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) engagement program on behalf of NASA in Billings.