Akshata Krishnamurthy, born on December 27, 1990 (35 years old) in Bengaluru, India, is known for doing something truly amazing.
She became the first Indian to operate a Mars rover at NASA.
Today, she works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she has helped with big space projects like the Mars 2020 rover, TESS, and NISAR.
Her journey shows that with belief and effort, big dreams can come true.
Keep reading Akshata Krishnamurthy’s Wiki to learn more about her life, family, studies, career, awards, and inspiring story.
Akshata Krishnamurthy Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Akshata Krishnamurthy |
| Profession | Space Systems Engineer; Principal Investigator & Science Phase Lead at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1990 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Current Address | Los Angeles |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Relationships
Akshata Krishnamurthy has kept her personal life very private, and details like having a relationship or getting married are yet to be updated.
| Relationship Status | Yet to be updated |
| Wife | Yet to be updated |
| Children | Yet to be updated |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Family
Specific details about her parents and siblings (if any) are yet to be updated. Her family mostly stays away from the spotlight.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Yet to be updated Mother: Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Education
Akshata Krishnamurthy grew up in Bengaluru, India, where she completed her early schooling. The name of her school is yet to be updated.
She later joined R.V. College of Engineering in Bengaluru and earned her bachelor’s degree in engineering.
After that, she moved to the U.S. and completed her Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign.
To follow her dream of working in space science, she went even further and earned a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the world-famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
| Alma Mater | R.V. College of Engineering; University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign; MIT |
| Highest Qualification | B.Tech; M.S. in Aerospace Engineering; Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Career
Akshata grew up in Bengaluru, India, with a strong interest in space and science.
After completing her engineering degree at R.V. College of Engineering, she decided to go abroad to learn more. She moved to the U.S. and studied aerospace engineering.
Later, she joined MIT for her Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, where her research focused on space missions and satellite technology.
First Big Step – Internship at NASA
While doing her Ph.D., Akshata got the chance to intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
She worked on a small satellite project called ASTERIA, which was designed to study stars and search for planets.
Her work involved making sure the instruments on the satellite worked properly.
Joining NASA as a Full-Time Engineer
After finishing her Ph.D., Akshata joined NASA JPL as a full-time Systems Engineer.
Her role included planning and managing how different parts of a space mission work together.
She became known for solving problems and making sure missions stayed on track.
Working on Big Missions
Akshata has been part of many major NASA missions:
- TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite): This mission searches for new planets outside our solar system. Akshata helped build and test the tools used in this mission.
- ASTERIA: Akshata worked on this small satellite project again after her internship. She helped lead the mission, and her early work was very important to its success.
- MOXIE on Mars 2020: Akshata worked on a machine called MOXIE that makes oxygen from the air on Mars. It was part of the Perseverance rover mission, and she helped plan and develop it.
Making History on Mars
In 2020, Akshata became the first Indian citizen to operate a Mars rover.
She worked on the Perseverance rover, which went to Mars to look for signs of old life that may have existed long ago.
Her job was to help plan and control the robotic arm that collects rock and soil samples from Mars.
Leading the NISAR Mission
Now, Akshata is working as the Science Phase Lead for the NISAR mission. This is a joint mission between NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
The goal is to use radar technology to study changes on Earth’s surface, such as earthquakes, floods, and ice movements.
| Year | Role | Project/Organization |
| 2017 | Intern | ASTERIA, NASA JPL |
| 2018 | Graduate Researcher | MIT (space telescope calibration) |
| 2019 | Systems Engineer | TESS mission, NASA, JPL |
| 2020 | Engineer on the MOXIE project | Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover |
| 2021 | Mars Rover Operator | NASA JPL |
| 2022–Present | Science Phase Lead | NISAR (NASA–ISRO Mission) |
Awards and Achievements
Akshata Krishnamurthy has earned several awards and honors for her excellent work in space science.
Below is a list of her key achievements:
| Year | Name of the Award | Reason |
| 2017 | Luigi G. Napolitano Award | Outstanding paper and research in space science |
| 2018 | Emerging Space Leader Award (IAF) | Recognized as a young leader in the space industry |
| 2021 | NASA Group Achievement Award | Contribution to the ASTERIA CubeSat Mission |
| 2022 | NASA Group Achievement Award | Mars Sample Caching Operations |
| 2024 | Featured in Fortune India’s “Most Powerful Women” | For breaking barriers and leading major NASA missions |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Net Worth, Salary
Details about Akshata’s estimated net worth and annual salary are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Akshata Krishnamurthy has black hair and beautiful black eyes. With a smart and confident look that reflects her sharp mind and calm nature. Her exact height and weight are yet to be updated.
| Height | In centimetres: Yet to be updated In meters: Yet to be updated In feet & inches: Yet to be updated |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Akshata Krishnamurthy Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
 @astro.akshata | |
 @akshata.subbannavar | |
 @akshata-krishnamurthy | |
| YouTube |  @astro.akshata |
Interesting Facts About Akshata Krishnamurthy
- Akshata Krishnamurthy is the first Indian citizen to operate a Mars rover.
- She moved to the U.S. with limited resources but a big dream.
- Akshata earned her Ph.D. from MIT, one of the top tech institutes in the world.
- She has worked on missions like TESS, ASTERIA, MOXIE, and NISAR.
- Krishnamurthy was once rejected from jobs because of her foreign nationality, but she never gave up.
FAQs
Who is Akshata Krishnamurthy?
Akshata Krishnamurthy is a space scientist working at NASA, JP,L, and the first Indian to operate a Mars rover.
Where was Akshata born?
Akshata Krishnamurthy was born on December 27, 1990, in Bengaluru, India.
What is her current role at NASA?
Akshata Krishnamurthy is the Science Phase Lead for the NASA–ISRO NISAR mission.
Has she won any awards?
Yes, Akshata Krishnamurthy has won multiple awards, including the NASA Group Achievement Award and the IAF Emerging Space Leader Award.
