Indian-American Veteran Amit Kshatriya to Steer NASA's Moon and Mars Missions as COO

Indian American Amit Kshatriya, a 20-year NASA veteran, has been appointed associate administrator, the highest-ranking civil service post at the US space agency. Acting NASA Administrator Sean P. Duffy announced the appointment on September 3, 2025, highlighting Kshatriya’s decades of experience and strategic leadership in advancing human space exploration.As the agency’s top civil servant, Kshatriya will guide NASA’s Artemis Moon missions and future Mars exploration programs, serving as the principal advisor to Duffy and overseeing the agency’s 10 center directors along with mission directorate associate administrators at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.Acting Administrator Sean Duffy emphasised that Kshatriya’s appointment aligns with the Trump administration’s vision for American space leadership. Duffy stated:“Amit has spent more than two decades advancing American leadership in space. Under his guidance, NASA will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon and pave the way for Mars exploration.”The administration views space not only as a frontier for exploration but also as an economic engine, promoting partnerships with commercial space companies and enhancing US competitiveness against China.Amit Kshatriya was born in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and considers Katy, Texas, his hometown. He holds:Kshatriya is the son of first-generation Indian immigrants to the United States. He and his wife are proud parents of three children, balancing a demanding career with family life.As reported by NASA, Kshatriya’s career at NASA began in 2003 as a software engineer, robotics engineer, and spacecraft operator, focusing on the robotic assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). Notable achievements include:His operational background, from robotics to flight direction, provides a unique blend of technical and strategic expertise, making him one of the most seasoned leaders in American space exploration.Prior to this appointment, Kshatriya served as deputy associate administrator for the Moon to Mars Program within NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD). In this pivotal role, he oversaw:Program planning and execution for crewed missions to the Moon and MarsAlignment of Artemis and Mars mission development with agency requirementsRisk management and strategic program oversightKshatriya also acted as the focal point for integrating complex mission operations, ensuring smooth coordination between spacecraft development, mission planning, and operational execution. His experience directly contributed to NASA’s Artemis I mission, which returned a human-capable spacecraft designed for lunar exploration.Before leading the Moon to Mars Program, Kshatriya served as acting deputy associate administrator for the Common Exploration Systems Development Division. In this capacity, he directed:His leadership helped integrate NASA’s Moon-to-Mars objectives, ensuring that spacecraft, launch systems, and ground operations worked seamlessly to meet ambitious mission timelines.As reported by NASA, Kshatriya’s contributions have been widely recognised. His honors include:These awards highlight his commitment to mission success, innovation, and operational excellence.Also Read | ‘Let’s get spinning’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gives rare look at NASA’s multi-axis trainer and space training