The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has appointed an Indian-American as top technology policy advisor.
A.C. Charania becomes NASA’s new chief technologist, serving as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programs at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington. He will lead technology innovation, the press release said. The top space agency’s associate administrator for technology is also an Indian-American, Bhavya Lal.
Charania’s mandate as chief technologist is to align NASA’s agencywide technology investments with mission needs across six mission directorates and his office oversees technology collaboration with other federal agencies, the private sector, and external stakeholders. The position works within NASA’s Office for Technology, Policy, and Strategy. “Technology plays a vital role in every NASA mission. Making sure that we’re pursuing the best policy objectives allows this agency to continue to serve as a global leader in innovation,” said Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy. “A.C. is an experienced leader in managing large, rapidly shifting technology portfolios. I am eager for him to apply his knowledge and enthusiasm at NASA,” Lal added.
Before joining NASA, Charania served as vice president of product strategy at Reliable Robotics, “a firm that is working to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation,” according to press release.