SpaceX Backer, Vying to Run NASA, Downplays Ties With Musk (1)

Billionaire SpaceX astronaut Jared Isaacmansaid his relationship to Elon Musk is limited to past missions with the chief executive’s space company, as the nominee to run NASA attempted to counter concerns of a conflict of interest if he is confirmed for the job.

“It’s funny that in a world where everybody has a phone with a camera on it, there are no pictures of us at dinner, at a bar, on an airplane or on the yacht, because they don’t exist,” Isaacman told US senators during a do-over confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

“My relationship with Mr. Musk is the ...