Software Engineering Intern at NASA GSFC

During my summer internship at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center this summer (2024), I led the development of a Mars Rover mockup, designed as a testing platform for the integration of telemetry and telecommand systems. This project, based on a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) design, serves as a critical demonstration and testing bed for NASA’s robotics applications. I managed the project end-to-end, from sourcing and consolidating BOMs of necessary electronic, mechanical and PCB components, to overseeing the mechanical assembly, wiring, and PCB soldering processes. My work culminated in the creation of a physical rover platform that will support future testing of NASA’s space-rated robotics software, supposedly Space ROS for now.

One of the main goals of this project was to bridge ROS2 and NASA’s Core Flight System (cFS), enabling a seamless connection between robotic control software and the telecommunications systems used in space missions. This bridge will serve as a foundation for further research, development, testing and demonstration purposes in the lab. As the project lead, I not only took charge of the technical work but also coordinated with other interns to meet a tight deadline. Though we encountered a PCB component issue that remains to be fixed, the project is nearly complete, and I am likely to return during the current semester (Fall 24) to troubleshoot and finalize the work.

Last summer, my efforts were particularly focused on applying advanced techniques in abstract algebra, particularly BCH encoding. I contributed to reducing the data loss probability in telemetry and telecommand systems, developing a program which encapsulated and encoded the data in codeblocks followed by parity bits which were used to theoretically reduce the errors from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹⁶ errors per bit. This enhancement is crucial for ensuring data integrity and improving the overall reliability of communication in future space missions. 

Beyond my technical work, I played a pivotal role in knowledge transfer and team collaboration. I created detailed PowerPoint presentations and documentation to ensure a smooth project handover, making it easier for other teams to pick up where we left off. These efforts were key in maintaining clear communication between various project stakeholders, contributing to the project’s long-term success.

My time at NASA has not only deepened my understanding of software development for space applications but also strengthened my leadership and project management skills. This experience has further fueled my passion for robotics and its application in space exploration, positioning me to contribute to future missions that depend on reliable communication and control systems.