NASA’s communication strategies are being reshaped by the work of Nilufar Ramji, a trailblazer long before she joined the agency. A first-generation college graduate, Ramji’s contributions are pivotal to the narrative of humanity’s renewed quest towards the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Her journey from a background in international service to becoming an influential figure at NASA is both inspiring and impactful.
In her current role, Ramji serves as the co-executive producer for NASA’s live broadcasts. Her job involves ensuring that the agency’s missions and discoveries are communicated clearly and effectively to the public. This role is crucial in expanding public understanding of space exploration and why it matters for humanity. By translating complex scientific missions into engaging narratives, she helps make space exploration accessible and meaningful to audiences worldwide.
Before taking on her present responsibilities, Ramji was the lead public affairs officer for Moon to Mars activities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In this role, she was at the forefront of communication strategies for the Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. This initiative collaborates with private companies to deliver scientific and technological payloads to the Moon, representing a significant shift towards public-private partnerships in space exploration. Her commentary and strategic communications have been integral to the public’s understanding of these missions.
A notable highlight of Ramji’s career was her involvement in two major lunar missions in 2025. She was a key communicator for Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, which successfully delivered 10 NASA payloads to the Moon’s Mare Crisium on March 2. As the live mission commentator, Ramji guided audiences through this historic event, explaining each stage from lunar orbit insertion to touchdown. She also led communications for Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which achieved the southernmost lunar landing near the Moon’s South Pole on March 6.
Ramji’s early career at NASA was marked by her leadership in STEM communications, where she crafted narratives that connected NASA with students and educators. Her efforts were essential in inspiring the next generation of space explorers, known as the Artemis Generation. By making science and technology more relatable and exciting, she paved the way for young minds to engage with NASA’s groundbreaking work.
Reflecting on her role as a storyteller for NASA, Ramji emphasizes the importance of her work. “Being one of the storytellers behind humanity’s return to the Moon is something I take pride in,” she said. She believes that exploring the solar system offers profound insights that benefit life on Earth. Her commitment to sharing these stories is driven by a desire to highlight the significance of space exploration.
Ramji’s approach to communication is thoughtful and strategic. She focuses not only on the scientific aspects of space missions but also on their broader significance. “How can we be thoughtful in our communications?” is a question that guides her work. Whether she is guiding a live broadcast or developing messaging about lunar science, Ramji is dedicated to refining NASA’s voice and ensuring that its missions resonate with the public.
Understanding the importance of commercial partnerships, Ramji sees the value in collaboration. “It’s exciting to see how many different people and organizations come together to make this a reality,” she said. By fostering a larger space economy, she believes that space exploration can be achieved more quickly and cost-effectively while maintaining the same ambitious goals.
In August 2023, Ramji shared her insights in a TEDx Talk titled “Storytelling from Space” in Sugar Land, Texas. In her talk, she highlighted the power of narrative to inspire and unite humanity in the quest to explore the universe. Drawing from her NASA experience, she illustrated how effective communication bridges the gap between complex science and public engagement. Her ability to translate technical jargon into easily understandable concepts is a testament to her skill as a communicator.
Ramji attributes her growth to the support of her mentors and colleagues. “I have great mentors and people I can lean on if I need help,” she said. This network of support has been instrumental in her professional development, something she didn’t fully appreciate until she joined NASA. Emphasizing the value of constructive feedback, Ramji believes that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is essential for growth. “Discomfort brings new learning, understanding, and opportunities, so I like being uncomfortable at times,” she said.
Before her tenure at NASA, Ramji built an international career centered on service. She worked at the Aga Khan Foundation in Canada, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing challenges in underdeveloped communities through education and healthcare initiatives. Her role involved leading visitor programs, workshops, and over 250 events aimed at promoting “quiet diplomacy” and dialogue among diplomats and global leaders.
Ramji’s commitment to transparency, quality, fairness, and diversity of perspective has been a guiding principle throughout her career. These values were particularly evident during her time in East Africa, where she served as the foundation’s sole communications representative across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. There, she trained more than 300 staff and developed a communications strategy to share impactful stories with honesty and empathy.
Her work in these communities left a lasting impact, demonstrating the power of communication to drive positive change. In 2013, Ramji relocated to the United States, where she rebuilt her network and career from the ground up. She worked for the Aga Khan Council for USA in Houston, leading a volunteer recruitment program that connected thousands of people with roles that matched their skills.
When Ramji applied for a contractor position, she was unaware it was with NASA. “I never thought my skills or expertise would be valued at a place like NASA,” she confessed. However, in 2018, she accepted a role as a public relations specialist supporting International Space Station outreach, marking the beginning of her impactful journey in shaping NASA’s storytelling.
Nilufar Ramji’s journey is a testament to NASA’s commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding humanity’s understanding of the universe. Through collaboration, transparency, and visionary storytelling, she is helping to bring the next frontier of space exploration to life. Her efforts continue to inspire and engage audiences, making the dreams of space exploration a shared reality.
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