Former astronaut and retired Marine Charles Bolden will likely meet with US President Barack Obama on Monday to discuss taking the helm at NASA, reports NBC. The US space agency has had no clear leadership candidate since Obama’s inauguration.

A pair of Air Force generals were under consideration, reports the Wall Street Journal, but one bowed out and members of Congress complained about another because he lacked NASA experience. Bolden, whose name came up in early discussions for the role, flew on 4 shuttle missions in the 1980s and 1990s, including the mission that placed the Hubble space telescope in orbit. He returned to the Marines in 1994, according to his NASA biography.

Bolden was selected in part “because of his earlier space experience and compelling personal story of an African American who rose from humble beginnings to senior military posts,” writes the Journal. US Senator and fellow former astronaut Bill Nelson (Democrat, Florida) told NBC that “Charlie’s credentials are top-notch.” Bolden also has the support of NASA’s last administrator Michael Griffin, who stepped down in January. Griffin told NBC that Bolden is “perfect” for the role.

Photo: NASA