Mohankumar Neelakandan 《☆SARAeS☄️MAIAA☄️SAIAU☆》 — CEO
I am an aspiring aerospace scientist and space researcher, currently pursuing a Direct Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to space science and engineering. My academic journey began with a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), where I developed a strong foundation in propulsion,Low/ high-speed aerodynamics, and numerical simulation. Coming from a humble background, I transformed early struggles into powerful stepping stones, immersing myself in leadership, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration from my first year onward. At KCT, I served as the Board of Director for Kumaraguru SEDS and Chairperson of the Observational Astronomy Team. I spearheaded numerous skywatching programs and telescope sessions, initiated the college’s first astrophotography observatory, and led public outreach events. As an Ambassador of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC), I mentored 26 students—23 of whom earned international honors—earning the World Best Ambassador Award and a Silver Honor as a finalist in IAAC 2024. I also led the Academic Innovation vertical as President, supporting undergraduate researchers and creating a platform for institutional innovation across engineering disciplines. I contributed to NASA’s DART Mission as a Planetary Defender and have identified two active asteroids as part of the International Asteroid Search Campaign. I’m a Student affiliate of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and part of the AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technical Committee, where I engage in research focused on planetary entry and descent systems. Additionally, I’m affiliated with the International Astronomical Union’s Commission on Planetary Sciences. In the realm of rocketry, I contributed to the Team Tenacity Sounding Rocket Project, leading propulsion and electronic subsystem integration. I have experience with software tools like Ansys Fluent, MATLAB, Python, and Catia. My Ph.D. research focuses on supersonic flows, shock wave–boundary layer interactions, and nozzle separation control, aiming to improve reusable launch vehicle performance and atmospheric re-entry safety. Driven by purpose, persistence, and a mission to democratize STEM education, I strive to empower future generations of aerospace learners—especially those from underrepresented communities—through scientific outreach, mentorship, and real-world space research.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a highly skilled aerospace scientist with expertise in propulsion and observational astronomy.
Location: Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Experience: 4 yrs 6 mos
Skills
- Mathematics
- Aerospace
- Internet Of Things (iot)
- Skilled Multi-tasker
- Observational Astronomy
- Management
- Leadership
- Content Writing
- Astronomy Theoretical Calculations
- Astrophysics Problem Solving
Career Highlights
- Led successful skywatching programs and telescope sessions.
- Mentored 26 students, earning World Best Ambassador Award.
- Contributed to NASA's DART Mission as a Planetary Defender.
Work Experience
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Doctoral Research Scholar (11 mos)
International Computer Science Competition
Ambassador (11 mos)
Government of India
India Book of record holder (1 yr 6 mos)
International Youth Math Challenge
Ambassador (1 yr 7 mos)
AIAA
Member of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) (1 yr 9 mos)
Kumaraguru College of Technology
President of Academic Innovation (1 yr 9 mos)
Top 3D printing Voice (5 mos)
Top Motivational Speaking Voice (2 yrs)
Royal Aeronautical Society
Student Affiliate of Royal Aeronautical society 《SFRAeS》 (1 yr 11 mos)
IAU CPS
Affiliated Member of International Astronautical Union (IAU CPS) (1 yr 11 mos)
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA-Citizen Scientist (2 yrs)
Participating-International Asteroid Search Campaign (7 mos)
International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition
Official Ambassador of International astronomy and astrophysics competition (IAAC ) (2 yrs 4 mos)
Best Ambassador Awardee of International astronomy and astrophysics competition 2024. (1 yr)
Silver Honor Awardee (6 mos)
Coimbatore Astronomy club
Member at Coimbatore Astronomy Club (2 yrs 4 mos)
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Republic Day Achiever -2024 (0 mo)
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Achiever of Aeronautical Department (2 yrs 6 mos)
Lateral Ignite'23 ~Brigade 01 Lead (0 mo)
Associate of Brigade 16 -Ignite 2023 (0 mo)
French - Open elective 1 (5 mos)
International Astronomical Search Collaboration
International Asteroid Search Campaign- Citizen Scientist (2 yrs 6 mos)
ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization
ISRO Rover Challenge 2024 - Astro Adventures Team Lead (2 mos)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON Science Engineering & Technology
Author of 3D printing in Medical filed using Industry 5.O Algorithm (2 yrs 9 mos)
IEEE KCT Student Branch
IEEE Project presentation - Presenter (8 mos)
SEDS KCT
Event management team monitor (2 yrs 11 mos)
Admin team lead (1 mo)
Vice President of SEDS KCT (1 mo)
Propulsion Engineer ~ Tenacity (5 mos)
The Institution of Engineers (India)
Author of the Industry 5.0 research paper (3 mos)
Abhayam publication
Author of( நினைவில்லா பொழுதுகள்) Ninaivilla Pozhuthugal Book (Tamil) (3 mos)
International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition
Bronze Honour and IAAC Finalist (3 mos)
Qualified for International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition Pre-final round (3 mos)
Astronomer and astrophotographer (1 yr 8 mos)
Qualified for International astronomy and astrophysics competition first round (4 mos)
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Yugam'23 -Event and workshop Organizer (1 mo)
Minor specialization course (8 mos)
KCT -IIC 5.0 Faculty and student coordinator's 2022-2023 ~ 《Member 》 (3 yrs 3 mos)
Aeronautical engineering student (3 yrs 5 mos)
Engineering Clinics-Projects (1 yr 8 mos)
SEDS KCT
Star talk ~Organizer (3 mos)
Cube sate member (8 mos)
Mechanical Design Engineer (3 yrs 3 mos)
Innovation managment Team Monitor (IMT team) (4 yrs 5 mos)
Observational astronomy Member (3 yrs 5 mos)
Admin (2 yrs 5 mos)
Moderator (2 yrs 1 mo)
Miles To Nauts Journal
Executive (3 yrs 7 mos)
Content Writer (7 mos)
Nature club of Kumaraguru
Executive (9 mos)
Kumaraguru Tamil Mandram
Content Writer (1 yr 7 mos)
Public Relations Officer (4 yrs 5 mos)
Voice Over Artist (4 yrs 6 mos)
Government Higher Secondary School - India
Tirukkural Speech Competition (1 mo)
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Biology at Government Higher Secondary School - Thiruppainjeeli ,Trichy
