Who is Amit Kshatriya, the Indian-origin scientist named as the NASA's associate administrator

NASA has elevated Indian-origin scientist Amit Kshatriya to one of its most senior civil service positions. The 20-year veteran of the agency, who has worked across robotics, software, and human spaceflight, will now serve as NASA’s associate administrator—its top career role.In a press release dated September 3, NASA announced: “Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy Wednesday named Amit Kshatriya as the new associate administrator of NASA, the agency’s top civil service role.”

Career at NASA

Kshatriya most recently led NASA’s Moon to Mars Programme, where he was responsible for program planning and execution of crewed Artemis missions to the Moon. His leadership within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) has laid the groundwork for humanity’s first journey to Mars.

On his new responsibilities, NASA explained that Kshatriya will help carry forward the agency’s vision to return astronauts to the lunar surface during President Donald Trump’s term.NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy praised the appointment, saying: “Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at NASA, working to advance American leadership in space. Under his leadership, the agency will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon during President Trump’s term.”

He added: “Amit’s knowledge, integrity, and unwavering commitment to pioneering a new era of exploration make him uniquely qualified to lead our agency as associate administrator. With Amit we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Early life and education

Born in Wisconsin and raised in Katy, Texas, Amit Kshatriya is the son of first-generation Indian immigrants to the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology in 2000, followed by a master’s from the University of Texas at Austin.Kshatriya began his career at NASA in 2003 as a software and robotics engineer, contributing to the robotic assembly of the International Space Station. Over the years, he also worked as a spacecraft operator and rose to become one of only 100 people in history to serve as a mission control flight director.

Awards and recognition

Kshatriya’s career is decorated with prestigious honors. In January 2013, he received the Silver Snoopy (Astronaut’s Personal Achievement Award). Four years later, in April 2017, he was presented with the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his exemplary service as the lead flight director during the 50th expedition to the space station.