Amit Kshatriya, a 20-year NASA veteran of Indian descent, has been appointed as NASA’s new associate administrator, the agency’s highest-ranking civil service position, NASA announced.
Kshatriya, previously the deputy head of the Moon to Mars Programme within NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) in Washington, was named to the role by Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy on Wednesday.
Born in Wisconsin to Indian immigrant parents, Kshatriya earned degrees from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) and the University of Texas at Austin. He is among an elite group of approximately 100 individuals who have served as mission control flight directors in NASA’s history.
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Kshatriya began his NASA career in 2003 and has earned prestigious accolades, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his role as lead flight director during the 50th expedition to the International Space Station. He also received the Silver Snoopy award, given by astronauts for contributions to flight safety, for his work as lead robotics officer on the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Dragon demonstration mission.
In his new position, Kshatriya serves as NASA’s chief operating officer, overseeing the agency’s 10 centre directors and mission directorate associate administrators at NASA headquarters. He also acts as a senior advisor to Duffy.
Previously, as deputy of the Moon to Mars Programme, Kshatriya led planning and execution for crewed lunar missions under the Artemis campaign, laying the groundwork for future Mars exploration.
“This appointment underscores President Donald J. Trump and Duffy’s commitment to prioritising America’s return to the Moon through Artemis, ensuring leadership in space exploration,” NASA stated. “Kshatriya’s promotion positions the Artemis programme at the heart of NASA’s mission.”
Duffy praised Kshatriya’s extensive experience, saying, “Amit’s two decades of service, coupled with his integrity and dedication, make him the ideal leader to guide NASA into a new era of exploration. His leadership will drive our efforts to return to the Moon during President Trump’s term and advance our space ambitions.”
The appointment also reflects the Trump Administration’s emphasis on strengthening ties with the commercial space sector to fuel the U.S. space economy. Kshatriya’s proven leadership is expected to enhance NASA’s partnerships with industry, fostering innovation and ensuring American dominance in space exploration.
According to the Caltech alumni blog, Kshatriya’s parents—an engineer father and chemist mother, both Indian immigrants—emphasised the value of education in maths and science. He lives with his wife and their three children.
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