Krishan Patel
Mission Operations Systems Engineer - Odyssey & Maven | Lockheed Martin
A little about my career path: Started out in mechanical engineering and, a little ways in, picked up a double major in Applied Mathematics. Really liked my professors and wanted to challenge myself. Had a software internship at 3DS Spatial which creates 3D modeling software. Next had a few stints in nano-fabrication but realized I didn't like small things. So I switched to my other major interest: aerospace engineering. I went back to school to get a Masters in Aerospace Engineering and I focused on bioastronautics (anything to do with human spaceflight). I liked how my mechanical engineering carried through and felt that human spaceflight has a large impact even beyond space. After finishing my MS I accepted a systems engineering job at Lockheed Martin in Deep Space Exploration Mission Operations. Essentially, I get to operate a few of the satellites around Mars. I am planning on sticking in this position for a few years, learning as much as I can about spacecraft operations before, hopefully, going back to human spaceflight. I still have a variety of interests so my plans may change as opportunities catch my eye.
Ask me about: I enjoy talking about space (it's what I get to do every day and I'm very passionate about it) and this includes topics from human spaceflight, trajectories and orbital mechanics, and what's happening on Mars in the near term. I am also happy to talk about origami, rock climbing, math, fabrication (nano- and bigger), going to Germany, and hiking 14ers.