Exciting news from NASA! The space agency has just appointed Amit Kshatriya as the first head of its newly-established Moon to Mars Programme, a crucial step in establishing a long-term presence on the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars. Kshatriya, an Indian-American engineer with expertise in software and robotics, will oversee human exploration activities on the Moon and Mars and plan and execute human missions to these celestial bodies for the betterment of humanity.
Kshatriya brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the director of the Space Launch System, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems programs, as well as the acting deputy associate administrator for the Common Exploration Systems Development Division. His career in the space program began in 2003, where he worked as a software engineer, robotics engineer, and spacecraft operator primarily focused on the robotic assembly of the International Space Station.
The Moon to Mars Programme Office, established in accordance with the 2022 NASA Authorisation Act, will support NASA's exploration approach by developing critical hardware, integrating missions, and managing risks. According to a press release, the approach is based on using Artemis missions to the Moon as a means of unlocking new scientific discoveries and preparing for future human missions to Mars.
With Kshatriya at the helm, NASA is poised to make great strides in its quest to explore the Moon and Mars, and we can't wait to see what discoveries lie ahead.
