Meet Amit Kshatriya: Indian-origin space scientist rises to NASA’s top civil service role

Indian-Origin Scientist Amit Kshatriya Named NASA Associate Administrator (Image Credit: NASA)

Indian-origin space scientist Amit Kshatriya has been appointed as NASA’s new Associate Administrator, the agency’s most senior civil service position. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy, marking a new chapter in NASA’s leadership at a critical time for human space exploration.

Who is Amit Kshatriya?

Amit Kshatriya is a 20-year veteran of the space agency, and has played a pivotal role in shaping NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy. Until recently, he served as deputy lead for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), overseeing mission planning and execution for the Artemis program — America’s ambitious effort to return humans to the Moon and lay the foundation for the first crewed journey to Mars.

With his elevation, Kshatriya becomes a key architect of NASA’s future. His leadership will not only guide Artemis forward but also help strengthen partnerships with America’s rapidly growing commercial space sector. The move reflects the United States’ determination to stay ahead in the global space race and to build a sustainable space economy at home.

“Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at NASA, working to advance American leadership in space,” Duffy said. “His knowledge, integrity, and unwavering commitment to exploration make him uniquely qualified to lead the agency as Associate Administrator. Under his leadership, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Kshatriya’s journey is as inspiring as the missions he now leads. Born in Wisconsin, educated at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin, he has served as one of just 100 mission control flight directors in NASA’s history. His unique blend of operational expertise and visionary leadership makes him a symbol of aspiration for countless young scientists and engineers worldwide.

As the Artemis program gains momentum, Kshatriya’s appointment signals a bold era for NASA — one that aims to take humanity deeper into the cosmos than ever before.