Indian American Amit Kshatriya has been appointed as the new associate administrator of NASA, the US space agency’s highest civil service post. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Acting Administrator Sean P. Duffy, who praised Kshatriya’s two decades of contributions to America’s space program.
Kshatriya, a longtime NASA veteran, most recently served as deputy for the Moon to Mars Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. In this role, he managed mission planning and oversight for crewed lunar expeditions under the Artemis campaign, which lays the groundwork for future human missions to Mars.
NASA emphasized that Kshatriya’s elevation underscores Washington’s priority of advancing lunar exploration during President Donald Trump’s administration. “By placing Amit at the top of our civil service ranks, we are anchoring Artemis and the return to the Moon at the core of NASA’s mission,” the agency noted.
Acting Administrator Duffy commended Kshatriya’s deep expertise, saying: “Amit has devoted more than 20 years to strengthening America’s leadership in space. His integrity, technical mastery, and commitment to exploration make him the ideal choice to lead at this crucial moment.”
The agency also highlighted how this appointment reflects the administration’s emphasis on commercial partnerships. NASA said Kshatriya’s leadership will drive stronger collaboration with private industry, foster growth in the space economy, and ensure that the next chapter of exploration is “designed and built in the United States.”
Born in Wisconsin, Kshatriya earned degrees from the California Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin. He is among a select group of fewer than 100 individuals to have served as a NASA mission control flight director—experience that brings both operational insight and strategic vision to his new executive role.
Kshatriya’s appointment comes at a time of increasing global competition in space, particularly with China’s rapidly advancing program. His leadership will be pivotal in guiding Artemis missions, deepening private sector collaboration, and shaping America’s long-term path to Mars.
