A.C. Charania is NASA\u2019s new chief technologist, serving as principal advisor to Administrator Bill Nelson on technology policy and programs at the agency\u2019s Headquarters in Washington. He will lead technology innovation. The chief technologist aligns NASA\u2019s agencywide technology investments with mission needs across six mission directorates and oversees technology collaboration with other federal agencies, the private sector, and external stakeholders. The position works within NASA\u2019s Office for Technology, Policy, and Strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTechnology plays a vital role in every NASA mission. Making sure that we\u2019re pursuing the best policy objectives allows this agency to continue to serve as a global leader in innovation,\u201d said Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy. \u201cA.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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lal served as acting chief technologist prior to the appointment of Charania, whose first day working at NASA Headquarters was Jan. 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe rate of advancement we seek in the 21st century is dependent upon selecting and maturing a portfolio of technologies into systems to execute our missions,\u201d said Charania. \u201cWith this in mind, there are incredible opportunities in partnerships within and outside of NASA. I now look forward to the opportunity to work with the entire community to increase the rate of space and aviation progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. His previous experience also includes working at Blue Origin to mature its lunar permanence strategy, Blue Moon lunar lander program, and multiple technology initiatives with NASA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He previously worked in strategy and business development for the Virgin Galactic (now Virgin Orbit) LauncherOne small satellite launch vehicle program. He also served in multiple management and technology roles at SpaceWorks Enterprises, including helping to incubate two startups, Generation Orbit and Terminal Velocity Aerospace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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