Journey Through My Cosmic Universe
Blasting off into new frontiers of Aerospace Engineering and space-related missions.

My Cosmic Journey
Hello! I'm Manas Katragadda, a recent graduate in Aerospace Engineering with a Space Minor from the University of Colorado Boulder. My passion lies in space and space-related missions, driven by a desire to explore and innovate. When I'm not immersed in cosmic endeavors, I enjoy rock-climbing, trekking, playing strategy-based card games, and strumming my ukulele. Join me as I navigate the complexities of code and design, transforming ideas into digital realities.
My Flight Plan: Resume
Education
B.S. Aerospace Engineering, minors in Astrophysics and Space
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
May 2025 | GPA: 3.1/4
Achievements: General Engineering Scholarship, Awtar and Teji Singh Scholarship, Bottle Rocket Project Accuracy Award Winner, Glider Project Design Award Winner, Ripple Award
- Relevant Coursework: Electronics and Communications, Vehicle Design and Performance, Structures and Statics, Thermodynamics, Formation and Dynamics of Planetary Systems, Aerospace Dynamics and Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Aircraft Dynamics
Experience
Senior Design - Deployable Magnetosphere Boom (Software Lead - Embedded Systems)
Boulder, CO
August 2024 - May 2025
- Worked and implemented code to extend tapespring boom via motor control using a raspberry pi pico using I2C protocols.
- Implemented hard and soft iron calibration on magnetometer validating data against USGS geomagnetic readings.
- Designed the motor mounting system using SolidWorks.
- Conducted analysis between different types of Deployable Booms to choose ideal boom configuration.
Nebula HiveStar Intern
Lockheed Martin, Highlands Ranch, CO
June 2023 - August 2023 & June 2024 - August 2024
- Worked in an Agile environment to construct a GUI from the ground up, received feedback and went through rapid iterations.
- Used AutoCad Inventor to design and model drone docks from scratch, optimized and mass manufactured them via 3D printers.
- Attended daily scrum and increment plannings to figure out tasking between team members and stretch goals like STK (orbital) integration.
Structures (Aerogel Cube Environmental Studies)
NASA Colorado Space Grant Consortium, Boulder, CO
January 2022 - May 2022
- Successfully launched 2 payloads consisting of aerogel, polyethylene foam over 100,000 ft.
- Constructed a payload structure and conducted a structural analysis to protect essential equipment.
- Conducted Drop and Loading tests to ensure equipment within cubesat would survive G-Force of launch and fall.
- Conducted data analysis in Matlab to isolate the differences between aerogel technology and polyethylene foam.
- Worked with sensors and embedded systems using C/C++ to integrate, monitor and receive data.
Leadership Experience
Vice President | Intern | Member
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Boulder, CO
August 2023 - Present
- Served on the executive board, organizing events & meetings by partnering with diverse campus groups and companies.
- Secured over $5000 in funding by successfully reaching out to 10+ companies.
- Head of Decorations for AAPI Event successfully directing volunteers to manage 10+ booths with 500+ attendees.
Lead Space Minor Ambassador
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
August 2021 - Present
- Organized outreach events with retired astronaut guest speakers to support community building for space enthusiasts.
- Led the largest Star-gazing event (100+ attendees) at CU which involved operating telescopes and managing volunteers.
- Consulted for teams of students working on arduino board software to attach sensors that establish atmosphere metrics.
Project Experience
Orbital Mechanics
Team Lead
- Developed a spacecraft orbital determination model using MATLAB to chart a trajectory towards asteroid Bennu.
- Calculated required delta Vs for spacecraft takeoff and orbit. Modeled to reduce transit times and optimize fuel.
- Integrated scanning and orientation algorithms within the model to pinpoint specific points of interest on Bennu's surface.
Glider Project
- Designed and constructed a glider to carry a camera payload within specific static and dynamic stability constraints
- Investigated multiple designs using MATLAB to determine an ideal glider configuration to maximize distance
- Created a SOLIDWORKS design using lightweight PLA and a 3D printer, successfully launching the glider over 75 feet
Structures Lab - FEM/Torsion/Buckling
- Gained experience in analyzing the internal forces acting on a loaded 16-bay space truss. Calculations were done by comparing the data from experimental models against data using ANSYS which used the Finite Element Model.
- Analyzed the differences between analytical and experimental data of a closed and open thin wall specimen
Skills, Languages & Interests
My Constellation of Projects

Senior Design - Deployable Magnetosphere Boom
Worked and implemented code to extend tapespring boom via motor control using a raspberry pi pico using I2C protocols. Designed the motor mounting system using SolidWorks. Click for more details!

Glider Project (Design Award)
Designed and constructed a glider to carry a camera payload within specific static and dynamic stability constraints. Investigate designs using MATLAB. Click for more details!
Senior Design - Deployable Magnetosphere Boom
Project Overview
This senior design project involved developing a deployable magnetosphere boom. As the Software Lead for Embedded Systems, my responsibilities were crucial in the functionality of the system.
I developed embedded code to control a motorized tapespring boom using a Raspberry Pi Pico and I2C protocols. I implemented advanced magnetometer calibration—including both hard and soft iron corrections—and validated our sensor data against official USGS geomagnetic readings. I also designed the custom motor mounting system in SolidWorks and played a key role in analyzing and selecting the ideal deployable boom configuration for our mission’s requirements. My work ensured that our system could reliably deploy and collect accurate data in a cubesat environment.
Technologies Used
Visuals


Project Video
Glider Project (Design Award)
Project Overview
This project involved the design and construction of a glider specifically engineered to carry a camera payload while adhering to strict static and dynamic stability constraints.
For this project, I designed and built a lightweight glider capable of carrying a camera payload while meeting strict stability constraints. I used MATLAB to evaluate different wing and body configurations, ultimately choosing a design that maximized flight distance and efficiency. I modeled the glider in SOLIDWORKS, fabricated it with lightweight PLA using a 3D printer, and successfully launched it over 75 feet. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of aerodynamic tradeoffs and rapid prototyping for flight hardware.
Key Features
- Material choice: Lightweight Foaming PLA for fuselage and Foam Core for wings.
- Fuselage length: 0.75 m; Wingspan: 1 m; Wing Area: 0.1312 m²; Wing Average Chord Length: 0.13 m.
- Center of gravity: $X_{cg} = 0.26$ m; Aerodynamic Center: $X_{ac} = 0.221$ m.
- Tapered, high mounted wings (better stability and AR for better glide performance, less chance of wing damage on impact).
- Narrow fuselage section between tail and wings (lighter weight).
- Rounded fuselage (better aerodynamics w/ less drag).
- Forward mounted camera housing (better adjusted center of gravity).
Performance Summary
System Requirements | Threshold | Actual |
---|---|---|
Max Glide Range (m) | 125 m | 71 m |
Max Glide Vel. (m/s) | 12 m/s | ~8.9 m/s |
Max Glide Endurance (s) | 13 s | 8.1 +/- 0.1 s |
Elevator Pitch Control (degrees) | +/- 10° | 2.42° |
Long. Stability Static Margin (SM) | 10% $\leq$ SM $\leq$ 30% | 31% |
Long. Stability - Horz Tail Vol. | Vh = 0.3 | 0.6 |
Lateral Stability - Vert. Tail Vol./Spiral | Vv >= 0.02, B >= 5 | 0.04 |
Max Wingspan (m) | b $\leq$ 1.0 m | b = 1.0 m |
Payload (Camera) | Secure + safe transport | Successful |
Unit Cost ($) | Min | $9 |
Visuals
Project Video
Crew Manifest: Clubs

Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Vice President | Intern | Member
August 2023 – May 2025
Served on the executive board, organized events, and secured funding. Click for more details!
CU Boulder - Space Minor Ambassador
Lead Space Minor Ambassador
August 2021 – May 2025
Organized outreach events, led star-gazing events, and consulted for student teams. Click for more details!
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Role & Responsibilities
Vice President | Intern | Member
August 2023 – May 2025
As Vice President of SASE, I served on the executive board and helped organize events that brought together students, companies, and diverse campus groups. I led fundraising efforts, securing over $5,000 in sponsorships. One of my highlights was directing volunteers and coordinating logistics for our campus-wide AAPI celebration, where we managed 10+ booths and welcomed over 500 attendees. My work focused on building an inclusive community and providing professional development opportunities for our members.

CU Boulder - Space Minor Ambassador
Role & Responsibilities
Lead Space Minor Ambassador
August 2021 – May 2025
In my role as Lead Space Minor Ambassador, I organized outreach events that connected students with leading voices in the space industry, including retired astronaut guest speakers. I planned and led the university’s largest stargazing event, overseeing telescope operations and volunteer coordination for more than 100 attendees. I also advised student teams on integrating sensors and software for atmospheric experiments using Arduino, helping foster a hands-on, collaborative environment for space exploration enthusiasts at CU Boulder. Additionally, worked as a TA for a class under Chris Koehler called Pathway to Space
Celestial Accolades: Awards
Ripple Award
University of Colorado Boulder
2025
Awarded for creating positive impact and fostering community. Click for more details!
Cultural Event of the Year
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
2025
Recognized for organizing an outstanding cultural event. Click for more details!
Student Org of the Year
University of Colorado Boulder
2024
Awarded to an exemplary student organization. Click for more details!
Ripple Award
Award Details
University of Colorado Boulder
2025
This award is in collaboration with the Dennis Small Cultural Center at CU Boulder and recognizes my efforts to enhance cross-cultural awareness and foster a greater appreciation for diversity and inclusion. "I have gone above and beyond in advocating for and facilitating cultural programming, and my impact has extended far beyond its original scope."

Cultural Event of the Year - Diwali
Award Details
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
2025
Helped lead the organization and planning of a Diwali celebration that brought together over 300 students from diverse backgrounds to explore South Asian culture through interactive booths, creative crafts, and traditional cuisine. Collaborating with other student organizations, we created an inclusive, hands-on experience that encouraged cross-cultural learning and engagement. Our event set a new standard for campus cultural programming and fostered a strong sense of community and appreciation for diversity.

Student Org of the Year
Award Details
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
2024
The "Student Organization of the Year" award celebrates an outstanding student group that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, community impact, innovation, and commitment to its members and the wider university. This organization excelled in its mission through impactful events, strong member engagement, and significant contributions to campus life.

Transmit Signal: Contact Me
Ready to launch a new project or just want to chat about the cosmos? Feel free to reach out!
Direct Contact
Email: manas.katragadda@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/manas-katragadda/
GitHub: github.com/profsourlemon33
Orbiting Earth from Boulder, CO