A.C. Charania, formerly vice president of product strategy at aircraft automation services provider Reliable Robotics, has been appointed chief technologist at NASA.
He will work within the Office for Technology, Policy and Strategy and advise NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on matters related to technology innovation, policy and investment, the agency said Monday.
Charania will succeed Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy and strategy, who took on the duties of chief technologist on an acting basis.
“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,” Lal said.
At Reliable Robotics, Charania led the company’s overall corporate growth strategy and partnerships with defense, civilian and commercial customers.
He previously held leadership positions in strategy and business development at Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceWorks Enterprises.
