Who among the following is an Indian-origin Satellite Industry Expert who was appointed as Director of United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in June 2023?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer is (d) Aarti Holla-Maini

Aarti Holla-Maini, an Indian-origin satellite industry expert, was appointed as the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in June 2023. She has an extensive background in satellite communications and space policy. Before her appointment, she served as the Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), where she played a key role in shaping policies related to satellite communications.

UNOOSA is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space and ensuring that space technology is used for sustainable development. Aarti Holla-Maini’s expertise in satellite technology and space policy makes her a valuable leader in this role.

• Aarti Holla-Maini has over 20 years of experience in the satellite communications sector and has actively worked on space sustainability and accessibility.
• She was previously the Executive Director of the European Satellite Operators’ Association (ESOA).
• UNOOSA is headquartered in Vienna, Austria and plays a crucial role in international space policy discussions.
• The office promotes the use of space for sustainable development goals (SDGs), including disaster management, climate monitoring, and connectivity.
• Aarti Holla-Maini was selected for her strong leadership in the satellite industry and her ability to bridge the gap between the private sector and governmental space policies.

• Michael Rao is an American academic administrator and the president of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
• Behruz Sethna is a former Indian-origin university president in the United States, known for his contributions to education.
• Kaushik Basu is an Indian economist and former Chief Economist of the World Bank.
• UNOOSA works closely with other organizations such as NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and ISRO to promote space technology for global benefit.
• The organization also monitors space debris and promotes responsible space exploration to avoid conflicts and ensure long-term sustainability.