10 Indian-origin people who have been part of NASA and its programmes
Image credit: X
As India's space program grows stronger with
ISRO
's steady achievements, Indians and people of Indian-origin are also making their mark at
NASA
. From flying missions to leading important research in orbit and on Earth, they have played key roles in many of NASA's major projects.
Here's a look at 10 Indian and Indian-origin professionals who have helped shape NASA's success.
Kalpana Chawla
Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut at NASA, made history in 1997 as the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) and again on its final mission (STS-107) in 2003, when the shuttle tragically broke apart during re-entry. Even after her heartbreaking loss, Chawla's legacy continues to inspire students across India and around the world.
Sunita Williams
Sunita (Suni) L. Williams is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy officer of Indian-Slovenian origin who has had a remarkable career in space. Picked by NASA in 1998, she has flown on three missions– Expeditions 14/15, 32/33, and 71/72– and spent 608 days in space. She also holds the record for most spacewalk time by a female astronaut at 62 hours and 6 minutes. In June 2024, she led Boeing's Starliner crewed test flight and, after some technical issues, stayed on the International Space Station before returning home on SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon in March 2025.
Dr. Sharmila Bhattacharya
Dr. Bhattacharya, a senior researcher at NASA's Ames Research Centre, is a leading scientist who heads the Space Biosciences division. Her work explores how spaceflight impacts biological systems, particularly immune responses and the effects of radiation, providing critical insights for long-duration human missions.
Manisha Ganeshan
Dr. Ganeshan studies the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in polar regions using satellite and on-site data.
With 10 years of experience using GNSS RO satellites, she provides important data that NASA relies on. Named a Fellow of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) in 2017, she also works with NASA Goddard's Global Modeling and Data Assimilation office to improve GEOS models and help predict Polar Lows and tropical cyclones.
Swarupa Nune
With a background in visual storytelling, Swarupa Nune is a video producer at NASA Goddard who brings climate science and space exploration to life.
She has created multimedia features and unique projects, including orchestral collaborations that pair NASA satellite imagery with classical music, helping audiences connect with complex science in creative, engaging ways.
Mamta Patel Nagaraja
Mamta's career at NASA bridges technical expertise and public outreach. Now serving as Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA Headquarters, she began her career as an engineer, supporting lunar and planetary missions before moving into leadership and communication roles that help connect NASA's work with a wider audience.
Narayanan Ramachandran
Ramachandran, a seasoned aerospace engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Centre, supports Jacobs Technology and plays a key role in the Space Launch System (SLS), with a particular focus on diffuser velocity testing for engine systems.
Raja Chari
Born to an Indian father and raised in Iowa, Raja Chari is an astronaut at NASA who was selected in 2017. In 2021–22, he commanded SpaceX Crew-3 and spent over 170 days aboard the ISS, and he's also part of NASA's Artemis Team, training for future Moon missions.
Dr. Kamlesh Lulla
Dr. Lulla is a veteran Earth scientist at NASA Johnson Space Centre who has built a long career as Chief Scientist for Earth Observations. Known for his expertise in remote sensing, he has advanced space-based land-use research and helped shape tools for disaster management and environmental monitoring.
Dr. Ashwin Vasavada
Dr. Vasavada is a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Project Scientist for the Curiosity Mars Rover. He has led key operations studying Mars' climate and geology, helping scientists better understand the planet's history and its potential to have supported life in the past.
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