Kshatriya, a 20-year NASA veteran, previously served as deputy head of the Moon to Mars Program within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
In that role, he oversaw planning and delivery of crewed Artemis missions to the moon, designed to lay the groundwork for humanity’s first journey to Mars.
Duffy said Kshatriya’s promotion underscored the centrality of the Artemis program in the agency’s future.
“Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at NASA, working to advance American leadership in space,” Duffy said. “Under his leadership, the agency will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon during President Trump’s term. His knowledge, integrity and commitment to exploration make him uniquely qualified to lead.”
The appointment also reflects the Trump administration’s emphasis on the commercial space sector as a driver of the US economy. NASA is expected to expand partnerships with private industry, boost the space economy, and ensure that future exploration remains anchored in American capability.
Born in Wisconsin, Kshatriya studied at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin. He is one of only about 100 people in history to have served as a mission control flight director, bringing both operational expertise and strategic insight to NASA’s executive team.