# Ansh Pathak - Aerospace research · US patent

> US patent holder for SWEEP, a space-debris capture platform presented at AAS 248. Seven papers and preprints, and a flight simulator validated to 1.5% against a Boeing 737-800.

School: Heritage High School | Location: Frisco, TX | Email: pathakansh10@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansh-pathak1/
GitHub: https://github.com/abc000cool
Email: mailto:pathakansh10@gmail.com

Site: https://www.anshpathak.us | This file: https://www.anshpathak.us/llms-full.txt

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## About

I am a driven and adept senior at Heritage High School with a strong passion for STEM fields, especially aerospace engineering and quantum mechanics. Backed by 7+ years of programming and engineering experience and a demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions, I actively seek opportunities to pursue professional development, innovate, lead, and apply my skills in real-world projects through hands-on work, rigor, and impactful collaborations.

Mission statement: Through my independent study, I wish to litanize my pursuit of knowledge in the broader field of aerospace engineering, and in the specificity of flight mechanics. I want to start with flight mechanics and then observe applications to this field with either optimization or quantum applications. I will gain the skills and learn about the expertise needed to professionally contribute to the industry in my future career through my final project and mentorship.

Highlights:
- US Patent Holder - developed SWEEP, a novel solution to space debris proliferation
- FIRST World Championship Qualifier - outstanding robotics contributions with Team 6369
- Quantum Computing Practicum - studied quantum algorithms with UT Dallas faculty
- Nonprofit Founder - founded The Resonance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) music education nonprofit

Disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Flight Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Propulsion Systems, Robotics, Mission Design

Key numbers:
- 1 - US patent - SWEEP debris platform
- 7 - Research papers & preprints
- Top 1% - AMC 12 competitors - AIME qualifier
- 2x - FIRST World Championship qualifier
- Top 10 - BPA National Leadership Conference
- 1st Place - NASA TAS Moonshot

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## Research (7 papers and preprints)

### Space Debris Mitigation

2025 - AAS 248 - Pasadena, CA
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/space-debris-mitigation

Key results:
- US Patent - SWEEP platform design
- 3 - Railguns - ejection doubles as thrust
- 0 - Traditional propellant used to maneuver

Abstract: Research on novel approaches to address the growing problem of space debris in Earth's orbit, including spacecraft design and operational algorithms. This work explores active debris removal strategies, mission planning optimization, and the development of practical solutions for space sustainability.

### Traffic Optimization Through Fluid Dynamics

2026 - Pending
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/traffic-fluid-dynamics

Key results:
- 42% - Published jam-reduction benchmark targeted
- 5.2 - km/h flow-speed gain · published benchmark
- CFD - Navier–Stokes traffic modeling

Abstract: Applies principles of fluid mechanics to model traffic patterns and deliver driving recommendations that dissipate congestion faster. Traffic is treated as fluid flow using computational fluid dynamics and Navier-Stokes-based modeling to identify bottlenecks and predict congestion waves in real time. Adaptive speed guidance is calculated so collective driver behavior can reduce stop-and-go patterns, improve average flow speeds, and lower fuel consumption-with research indicating substantial jam reduction and meaningful speed improvements at modest connected-vehicle penetration rates.

### Probabilistic Optimization of Continuous-Morphing Airfoil Geometries via Gaussian Process Surrogates and QAOA-Based Discrete Sampling

2025 - Pending
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/morphing-airfoil-qaoa

Key results:
- 9.3% - Drag reduction vs NACA 2412
- 37% - Lift improvement
- QAOA - Discrete sampling at p=2

Abstract: Continuously morphing airfoils reshape during flight to match changing aerodynamic conditions, enabling performance that fixed geometry designs fundamentally cannot achieve. We present a four-phase pipeline combining Gaussian Process surrogate modeling with QAOA as a diversity-oriented sampler for morphing airfoil optimization, validated against XFOIL with improved drag and lift over a NACA 2412 baseline.

### Which Error Sources Dominate Hybrid Quantum–Classical Inertial Navigation? A Sobol’ Variance Decomposition Across Atmospheric GNSS-Denied and Cislunar Regimes

2026 - Preprint
Live site: https://qcin-nav.vercel.app/
Code: https://github.com/abc000cool/qcin-nav
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21855434
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/hybrid-quantum-classical-inertial-navigation

Key results:
- 27,648 - Sobol′ simulations
- 4.9× - Tighter · 5-min GNSS jamming
- 313× - Tighter · 5-day cislunar coast
- 8/8 - Validation tests passed

Abstract: A validated open-source simulator of a cold-atom interferometer + classical IMU hybrid navigator (Cheiney–Lautier–Wang architecture in a 15-state error-state EKF), paired with a global Sobol′ variance decomposition of its error budget across two opposite aerospace regimes: an atmospheric UAV under GNSS jamming, and a multi-day cislunar coast. Across 27,648 simulations and eight passing validation tests, the hybrid holds a median 7.6 m after five minutes of jamming (about 4.9× tighter than classical-only) and 124 km after a 4.98-day lunar coast versus 38,800 km unaided (313×). The study shows the remaining atmospheric error is dominated by gyroscope bias and platform vibration, while the cislunar floor is governed by classical accelerometer bias and coast duration-not cold-atom stability alone. The preprint is archived at DOI 10.5281/zenodo.21855434.

### The Joint Pareto Envelope of Heliocentric Circular Displaced Non-Keplerian Orbits Under the McInnes Optical Sail Force Model

2026 - Preprint
Live site: https://solar-sail-nko.vercel.app/
Code: https://github.com/abc000cool/solar-sail-nko-site
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/solar-sail-displaced-nko

Key results:
- 55.5° - Thrust-cone ceiling · optical model
- ×1.23 - Median lightness penalty vs ideal
- 750 - Converged minimum-time transfers
- 0.36–0.39 yr - Time to envelope · 5–150 g/m²

Abstract: Heliocentric displaced non-Keplerian orbits (NKOs) enable solar-observation, high-latitude Earth-observation, and space-weather mission concepts that no Keplerian orbit can access - but prior feasibility maps rely on an ideal reflector. This work computes the joint Pareto envelope of achievable displacement and minimum transfer time under the full six-coefficient McInnes optical force model, together with a controllability penalty map across the (ρ, z) parameter space. The optical model raises the required lightness number by a median factor of 1.23 relative to the ideal reflector, and its 55.5° thrust-cone ceiling removes 4.9% of the ideal-feasible territory of the Earth-synchronous family relevant to sub-L1 space-weather missions. Across two decades of sail loading (5–150 g/m²), the minimum time to reach the displacement envelope from a 1-au parking orbit is nearly invariant at 0.36–0.39 years. Built on an open-source pseudospectral optimal-control pipeline (CasADi + IPOPT) with 750 converged transfers at 100% solver convergence.

### Rao Revisited: A Reproducible Pareto Atlas of Supersonic Nozzle Contours via the Method of Characteristics with Compressible Boundary-Layer Correction

2026 - Preprint · Open dataset
Live site: https://nozzlemoc-website.vercel.app
Code: https://github.com/abc000cool/nozzlemoc
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21438122
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/nozzlemoc

Key results:
- 0.011% - Agreement with the textbook benchmark
- 0.550 - Universal turning ratio discovered
- 1952 - NACA Mach-10 nozzle reproduced
- 8,192 - Coupled simulations · sensitivity analysis

Abstract: The Method of Characteristics has drawn every supersonic nozzle since the 1950s - it turns supersonic flow into geometry, where waves are lines - yet the field lacked an open, tested, DOI-archived reference implementation. nozzlemoc fills that gap: an open-source Method-of-Characteristics design code for supersonic rocket-nozzle contours with compressible boundary-layer correction, published together with a reproducible Pareto atlas of nozzle designs. The solver agrees with the classical textbook benchmark to 0.011% and reproduces the 1952 NACA Mach-10 nozzle contour. Across the atlas, the maximum wall angle settles at a near-universal 0.550 of the exit Prandtl-Meyer angle - a sharpening of the classical half-nu rule - and a sensitivity analysis built on 8,192 coupled simulations ranks which design inputs actually govern the contour. Code is MIT-licensed; the paper, dataset and figures are archived at DOI 10.5281/zenodo.21438122.

### A Wave-Count Stability Atlas for the Koch–Kurosaka–Knowlen–Kutz Rotating Detonation Engine Analog

2026 - Preprint · Open dataset
Live site: https://rde-wave-count-atlas.vercel.app
Code: https://github.com/abc000cool/rde-wave-atlas
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21697129
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/research/rde-wave-count-atlas

Key results:
- 5,856 - GPU simulations · first regime map
- 6 - Laboratories in the validation set
- 19 / 24 - Experimental points within one wave
- 8–10% - Below Chapman–Jouguet wave speed

Abstract: A rotating detonation engine (RDE) is an annular combustor in which detonation waves race around a ring instead of burning at constant pressure - and the number of co-rotating waves N is emergent, not designed. As propellant injection increases, the engine jumps abruptly from one wave to two, three, then four, yet nobody had mapped where those states live in parameter space for the standard Koch-Kurosaka-Knowlen-Kutz reduced-order model. This work runs 5,856 GPU simulations to build the first two-parameter regime map - injector plenum pressure versus injector stiffness - resolving the locked N = 1-4 bands, the narrow galloping (modulated) windows and small chaotic patches between them, and the uniform-combustion region at high pressure. Checked against experimental mode-transition data from six laboratories, 19 of 24 experimental points agree within one wave, and simulated wave speeds sit 8-10% below the theoretical Chapman-Jouguet speed, consistent with real engines. The atlas, code and data are open and DOI-archived at 10.5281/zenodo.21697129.

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## Projects

### STRATOS - Simulation of Thrust, Rate-of-climb, Aerodynamics, and Total Operating States

Category: ISM Original Work | Status: Completed | Tags: Flight Mechanics, Python, ISA Model, First-Principles
Live site: https://stratos-sim.us/
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/stratos

Subsonic flight-performance simulator, validated to 1.5% against Boeing 737-800 stall speed

STRATOS is a physics-based flight performance simulator intended for preliminary aerospace engineering analysis. This custom-built computational tool models the performance of subsonic aircraft using first-principles aerodynamic and propulsion equations. Real use cases include engineers testing whether proposed aircraft configurations can meet predetermined mission requirements. The simulator outputs plots and key metrics on flight performance, validated against real-world aircraft data with 1.5% accuracy on Boeing 737-800 stall speed calculations.

Specs:
- Aircraft Category: Subsonic
- Modeling Approach: First-Principles
- Atmosphere Model: ISA Standard
- Drag Model: Parabolic Polar
- Propulsion Types: Jet / Propeller
- Altitude Range: 0 – 15 km

#### ACES - Atmospheric Condition & Standard Earth Systems

The foundation of the simulator. Computes atmospheric properties as a function of altitude using the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA). Models temperature, pressure, and density from sea level through the troposphere (up to 15 km), covering the operational envelope of most subsonic aircraft.

#### RLM - Raw Logistic Modulator

Serves as a liaison between input aircraft values and core physics-based calculations. Takes raw input data (geometry, weight, propulsion, aerodynamic coefficients) and converts them into standardized, numeric variables, preventing physically impossible scenarios.

#### OSC - Optimal Statistics Calculator

Extracts meaningful performance metrics from raw numerical outputs. Delivers performance curves, contour plots, and critical metric values including minimum thrust required, maximum level flight speed, and optimal climb rates.

#### RS - Report Summarizer

Synthesizes all raw data and statistics into written/visual format for end users. Powered by an AI Language Model for near-instantaneous reports once simulation completes.

#### Performance Analysis
- Maximum and cruise speed determination
- Rate of climb calculations
- Service and absolute ceiling computation
- Power required vs. power available curves

#### Range & Endurance
- Breguet range equation implementation
- Maximum range speed optimization
- Fuel consumption analysis

#### Aerodynamic Analysis
- Drag polar generation
- Lift-to-drag ratio optimization
- Oswald efficiency factor modeling

#### Mission Simulation
- Multi-segment mission profiles
- Takeoff and landing performance
- Configuration feasibility validation
Document - Original Work Proposal: Detailed project proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and timeline. (https://blobs.vusercontent.net/blob/Ansh_Pathak_OWP_1.6.25-vEcaCb872uCqgY1fTqKwVCup9j3ddp.pdf)
Document - Progress Update #1: Current state of development, completed modules, and next steps. (https://blobs.vusercontent.net/blob/Ansh_Pathak_OWPA1_2.18.2026%20%281%29-wQGRC6ivdBkkwkf3OmPufyK95HhQVz.pdf)

### Propulsion Studio

Category: Aerospace Design Platform | Status: Completed | Tags: Propulsion Systems, Systems Engineering, Live Analysis, Design Optimization
Live site: https://abc000cool.github.io/propulsion-studio/
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/propulsion-studio

Assemble any of 9+ propulsion families and read live thrust, specific impulse, and thermal load

An interactive engineering workstation for designing and analyzing aerospace propulsion systems. Users can select from 9+ propulsion families, assemble modular components, and instantly analyze system performance with live physics-based feedback. The platform provides real-time calculations for thrust, specific impulse, efficiency, mass estimates, and thermal load.

#### Modular assembly

Auto-layout and drag-and-drop assembly make the platform both professional and intuitive for aerospace systems engineering. Users build architectures visually while the engine computes performance in real time.

#### Mission evaluation

Propellant and environment presets, mission suitability evaluation, and design comparison with architecture diagrams help validate concepts before detailed design.

#### Export & reporting

Export capabilities include JSON, PNG, and PDF so designs and analysis can be shared with teams or embedded in reports.

### PORKCHOP - Interplanetary Mission Planner

Category: Trajectory Design Tool | Status: Live | Tags: Orbital Mechanics, Lambert Solver, Three.js, Mission Design
Live site: https://porkchop-mission-planner.vercel.app/
Code: https://github.com/abc000cool/porkchop-mission-planner
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/porkchop

Lambert-solver Δv maps and multi-flyby Grand Tours, checked against Voyager 2 flyby dates and Perseverance C3

Porkchop is an interactive interplanetary trajectory design tool for exploring Lambert-solver porkchop plots, planning multi-body Grand Tours with patched-conic gravity assists, and visualizing transfers in an animated 3D solar system. Physics correctness is checked against Vallado examples, Perseverance C3, Earth–Mars transfer windows, and Voyager 2 flyby dates before trajectory changes ship.

Specs:
- Transfer Solver: Lambert (prograde / retrograde)
- Ephemerides: astronomy-engine
- Tour Method: Patched-conic gravity assists
- Visualization: React Three Fiber solar system
- Plotting: d3 contour / geo / scale
- Export: CSV · PDF · shareable permalinks

#### Porkchop plots

Δv contour maps across launch and arrival date windows for any planet pair, with retrograde and multi-revolution Lambert solver toggles plus a top-5 transfer table for quick mission down-select.

#### 3D solar system view

Animated transfer arcs with orbit-capped planet and sun sizing, click-to-lock transfer windows, and a live launch countdown so candidate trajectories can be inspected in context.

#### Grand Tour planner

Coordinate-descent optimizer for multi-flyby trajectories using the patched-conic method, validated against Voyager 2’s real flyby dates and C3, with a synodic time-lapse mode for tour storytelling.

#### Mission tools & reporting

Rocket payload mapper, aerocapture and capture-burn modeling, historical mission overlay, difficulty scoring, CSV export, shareable permalinks, and PDF mission/tour reports - plus metric/imperial and color-palette toggles with a GL error boundary for constrained GPUs.

#### Trajectory design
- Planet-pair porkchop Δv maps
- Retrograde and multi-revolution Lambert modes
- Top-5 transfer ranking table
- Click-to-lock transfer windows in 3D

#### Validation & export
- Vallado 7-5 and Perseverance C3 sanity checks
- Earth→Mars 2026 window and synodic period checks
- Voyager 2 real-date flyby / C3 validation
- CSV export and PDF mission/tour reports

### SWEEP - Space Waste Electromagnetic Ejection Platform

Category: US-Patented Spacecraft Design | Status: US Patent | Tags: Space Propulsion, Orbital Mechanics, US Patent, Spacecraft Design
Live site: https://sweep-feff1.web.app/
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/sweep

US-patented platform that captures orbital debris, compacts it into pellets, and fires them out of orbit - the recoil doubles as thrust

SWEEP (Space Waste Electromagnetic Ejection Platform) is a US-patented spacecraft design addressing space debris proliferation in Earth's orbit. The system combines autonomous algorithms, debris processing, electromagnetic railgun propulsion, and gyroscopic control to capture debris, compact it into pellets, and eject it from orbit - using recoil thrust to maneuver between targets without expending traditional propellant.

#### Autonomous algorithm

An autonomous decision-making loop maps debris targets, intercepts objects, and selects railguns to reorient the capture tunnel for the next debris encounter.

#### Debris processing

Captured debris is encapsulated in a conductive medium, transported to a compression chamber, and compacted into dense pellets for ejection.

#### Electromagnetic propulsion & disposal

Pellets are fired from one of three railguns toward deep space using electromagnetic acceleration, removing debris from Earth orbit while generating recoil thrust to maneuver SWEEP.

#### Attitude control

Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) orient the tunnel when approaching debris and stabilize the platform after each ejection without using fuel.

### FlowState - Traffic Optimization Through Fluid Dynamics

Category: IGSI Research Initiative | Status: Completed | Tags: Fluid Dynamics, Traffic Engineering, Simulation, Optimization
Live site: https://flowstatetraffic.us/
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/flowstate

Navier-Stokes traffic modeling that predicts congestion waves in real time and issues speed guidance to dissipate them

FlowState applies principles of fluid mechanics to simulate traffic patterns and deliver optimal driving recommendations that dissipate congestion faster. The platform models traffic as fluid flow using computational fluid dynamics and Navier-Stokes-based approaches to predict congestion waves in real time. Adaptive speed guidance helps drivers collectively reduce stop-and-go patterns, improve average flow speeds, and lower fuel consumption per platoon-with research indicating substantial jam reduction at modest connected-vehicle penetration.

#### Fluid dynamics modeling

Traffic behaves like fluid flow. Navier-Stokes equations and computational fluid dynamics model vehicle movement patterns to identify bottlenecks and predict congestion propagation with high fidelity.

#### Real-time simulation

The simulation engine processes traffic data in milliseconds, predicting congestion patterns and calculating optimal speed recommendations before jams fully form.

#### Adaptive speed guidance

Personalized speed recommendations create wave dissipation effects when adopted collectively, resolving traffic faster than passive routing alone.

#### Platform integration

Designed for integration with major navigation platforms and fleet systems, enabling deployment without new roadside hardware.

#### Published benchmarks the design targets
- Prior research reports 42% jam reduction from coordinated speed guidance at 5% autonomous-vehicle penetration
- The same literature reports a 5.2 km/h gain in average flow speed
- 5% autonomous-vehicle penetration is the cited minimum threshold for measurable impact
- Smoother flow is credited with 20% fuel savings per platoon
- These figures come from published work - they are design targets, not measurements taken from this simulator

#### Core capabilities
- Reduces stop-and-go traffic patterns
- Minimizes fuel consumption and emissions
- Improves overall road capacity
- Works with existing infrastructure
- Scales to metropolitan areas

### The Resonance Foundation

Category: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Status: Active | Tags: Nonprofit, Leadership, Community
Live site: https://www.theresonancefoundation.org/
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/the-resonance-foundation

A 501(c)(3) I founded - music education and performances reaching thousands across DFW

Founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to making music education accessible. Reached thousands of individuals across DFW with performances and events that bring music instruction and community engagement to families who might not otherwise have access.

#### Community impact

Organized performances and outreach events across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, connecting students and families with music education resources.

#### Leadership

Built and led a registered nonprofit from the ground up - handling programming, events, and the organizational work required to sustain a 501(c)(3).

### Data Science Libraries

Category: Open Source | Status: Completed | Tags: R, Data Science, Open Source
Live site: https://github.com/PPBDS
Page: https://www.anshpathak.us/projects/data-science-libraries

R libraries used internationally on Quarto-based data-science teaching templates

Developed and maintained R libraries used internationally on Quarto-based templates, enabling students to grasp data-science fundamentals through reproducible, accessible coursework materials.

#### Open-source tooling

Libraries designed for classroom and self-study contexts, lowering the barrier to reproducible analysis workflows.

#### International adoption

Templates built on these libraries are used internationally, helping students learn core data-science concepts in a consistent Quarto environment.

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## Independent Study & Mentorship (ISM) - Frisco ISD

Focus: Aerospace engineering and flight mechanics

I spent my ISM year building STRATOS, a flight-performance simulator, under Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo, Assistant Chief for Technology at NASA Goddard - alongside five research assessments on quantum aerospace, CFD, autonomous flight, and supersonic versus subsonic flight, plus interviews with engineers at Lockheed Martin, NASA, and an aerospace startup. ISM is a competitive Frisco ISD elective that lets juniors and seniors study one career field independently through research, professional interviews, and mentorship.

Mentor: Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo, Assistant Chief for Technology, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo has served as Assistant Chief for Technology, responsible for directing a multimillion-dollar research and development portfolio, driving strategic investments in advanced technologies for NASA's Moon to Mars program, planetary defense and national security across the 9-branch, 500+ employee Mechanical Systems Division. He also establishes and manages critical partnerships with NASA centers, academia and industry to accelerate technology maturation and infusion, and oversees new business development initiatives, securing funding and advancing innovative solutions for current and future NASA missions.

Mentorship focus areas:
- Flight Mechanics Modeling: Developing computational models for aircraft performance analysis
- Software Development: Python, R, and aerospace simulation tools for original work
- Industry Insights: Real-world aerospace engineering practices and career guidance

### ISM Research Assessments

1. Quantum Applications in Aerospace (September 11, 2025) - Exploration of quantum computing applications in aerospace engineering. Investigates how qubits and quantum algorithms can enhance optimization, materials science, cryptography, and simulation/modeling. Examines the potential for quantum-powered trajectory prediction, advanced fighter jet modeling, and AI acceleration in the aerospace industry. [Quantum Computing, Aerospace, Optimization]

2. Computational Fluid Dynamics (September 18, 2025) - Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and its applications in aerospace engineering. Explores how CFD models use Navier-Stokes equations to simulate fluid motion, enabling cost-effective virtual testing of aircraft designs. Investigates potential quantum computing applications to accelerate CFD simulations. [CFD, Navier-Stokes, Simulation]

3. ISM Symposium Reflection (September 25, 2025) - Reflection on the ISM Business Symposium experience. Discusses networking strategies with professionals, interview preparation, communication improvement areas, and key advice received on cold emailing and professional outreach. Emphasizes the importance of adaptability when networking with diverse professionals. [Professional Development, Networking, Communication]

4. Autonomous Flight (October 24, 2025) - Exploration of autonomous flight technology and its future in aviation. Investigates the evolution from military UAVs to modern pilotless aircraft, examining how AI, machine learning, and advanced sensors enable autonomous operations. Analyzes the benefits including enhanced safety through reduced human error, increased fuel efficiency, and potential for streamlined air traffic management. [Autonomous Flight, AI, Aviation]

5. Supersonic vs Subsonic Speed (November 30, 2025) - Comprehensive analysis of the differences between supersonic and subsonic flight mechanics. Explores how airflow characteristics, shock wave formation, and aerodynamic behavior differ between these speed regimes. Examines the impact on lift generation, drag forces, and wing design considerations for different aircraft applications. [Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Shock Waves]

### ISM Professional Interviews

1. Ms. Aubrey Baker, F-22 Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin (October 14, 2025): First professional interview with a Lockheed Martin systems engineer and FISD alumni. Discussed career trajectory from UT Austin to Georgia Tech, work in the Skunkworks division, and advice on pursuing aerospace engineering degrees. Learned about the difference between legacy and Skunkworks divisions, and the rewarding aspects of seeing designs in production.
   - Pursue degree based on interests, not just job market
   - Prioritize experiences over grades
   - Join AIAA organization

2. Dr. Giuseppe Cataldo, Assistant Chief for Technology at NASA Goddard (November 6, 2025): Interview with NASA Goddard's Assistant Chief for Technology - later my ISM mentor - who manages over $30 million in budget and has 20+ research publications. Discussed his journey from MIT research to NASA, the mission lifecycle process, and the importance of professional growth. Received invaluable advice on pursuing summer internships and diversifying engineering knowledge.
   - Learn as much as possible across disciplines
   - Pursue summer internships for growth
   - Creativity is key in aerospace

3. Mr. Dylan Caruso, Aerospace Engineer at Brazos Innovation Partners (November 7, 2025): Interview with the sole aerospace engineer at a startup, providing unique perspective on startup vs. large corporation work. Discussed CFD work, propeller design for drones, and the importance of software skills (Python/Java, CAD/FEA/CFD). Gained insights on the benefits of working at a startup for hands-on learning.
   - Software skills are critical (Python, CAD, CFD)
   - Networking with professors helps in job search
   - Working hard will reward you unexpectedly

### Mentor Meetings

1. Project Integration & Feedback (February 3, 2026, Zoom): First official mentor meeting focusing on integrating Dr. Cataldo into the ISM program and obtaining feedback on the Original Work Proposal. Received guidance on timeline adjustments, software selection (Python, R, Mathematica, SciLab), and statistical analysis approaches. Key outcome: shifting from statistical analysis to visualization outputs (contour curves, graphs, key metrics).
   - Establish baseline model first, then add features as separate modules
   - Python works fine for flight mechanics modeling - no need for fancy software
   - Use informal testing during development, save formal testing for final report

2. Progress Review & Enhancement (February 18, 2026, Zoom): Second mentor meeting to demonstrate Original Work progress and receive feedback on additional features. Showed completed modules (atmospheric, aircraft object, aerodynamics, main method, app overlay). Received commendation for being 2–3 weeks ahead of schedule and achieving 1.5% accuracy on Boeing 737 stall speed calculations.
   - Consider higher-precision drag model and variable atmospheric conditions
   - Add separate tabs for atmospheric conditions, lift, drag analysis
   - CFD integration would be complex - consider simple version or separate exploration

### Foundational Documents
- Career & Industry Forecast: Comprehensive analysis of the aerospace engineering career path, including education requirements, salary expectations, job outlook, and professional development roadmap.
- Topic Proposal: Detailed proposal outlining my ISM focus on aerospace engineering and flight mechanics, including personal background, interests, and goals for the independent study.

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## Awards & Recognition

- NASA TAS Moonshot - 1st Place (Aerospace): First place in the NASA TAS Moonshot challenge.
- Bhagavad Gita Memorizer & World Record Participant (Achievement): Memorized 800+ verses - 10,000+ Sanskrit words - of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita across a year of 30-40 hour weeks. Guinness World Records title holder for 'Largest simultaneous Hindu text recital', which took 2+ years of preparation.
- FIRST Robotics Awards (Robotics): FIRST Impact Award and Engineering Inspiration Award with Team 6369, plus the Autonomous Award twice. Two-time FIRST World Championship qualifier and Texas State qualifier; won the FIT Belton, Amarillo, and San Antonio competitions.
- AIME Qualifier (Mathematics): Scored 118.5/150 on the AMC 12 to qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), then 7/15 on the AIME - the top 1% of all AMC competitors.
- Heritage HS Wind Ensemble & Drumline (Music): 1st place at the 2025 International Percussion Ensemble competition, performed at PASIC50 in Indianapolis. Outstanding Snare Line at the 2025 North Texas Drumline Contest, and contest winner in 2024. Three-time All-Region selection; currently on snare, at 40+ hours a week during peak season.
- Business Professionals of America (BPA) (Leadership): 2026-27 Chapter President. Regional Champion in 2025 and 2026 (1st place, two-time State qualifier) and a two-time National Torch Award recipient. Top 10 finalist at the 2026 National Leadership Conference.
- Conrad Challenge Innovator (Innovation): 2026 Conrad Challenge Innovator.
- HHS Computer Science Club (Academics): Scored Top 50 across Texas in 10th Grade & 5A Divisions.
- HHS Math Honors Society (Mathematics): 1st Place General Math Team at UIL District Meet 2024-25.
- Heritage High School Key Club (Leadership): Secretary with over 150 members and various events throughout the year.

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## Experience

### STEM Instructor - STEMTree (Jan 2025 – Present, Teaching)

Instructed and mentored elementary and middle school students in STEM disciplines and robotics to foster interest through hands-on activities and personally tailored lessons. Broke down complex concepts into age-appropriate lessons, allowing students to grasp advanced disciplines. Represented STEMTree at local outreach events, inspiring and captivating families through direct demonstration of STEM; promoted accessibility to direct FLL-style robotics to children at a young age.

### Big Future Ambassador - The College Board (Aug 2025 – Present, Leadership)

Selected as a BigFuture Ambassador, supporting peers in exploring career paths, planning for college, and accessing scholarship opportunities through BigFuture. Actively collaborate with fellow ambassadors on a monthly basis to share resources, insights, and opportunities.

### Teen Court Attorney & Juror - City of Allen (Jan 2025 – Jan 2026, Community Service)

Represent teenagers who have committed Class C misdemeanors. Follow court proceedings and provide legal defense to juvenile offenders. As a juror, serve alongside my peers to sentence offenders.

### AI Intern and STEM Instructor - iCode School Franchise (Mar 2024 – Oct 2024, Internship)

Collaborated to develop AI-driven tools and models to create an innovative curriculum for the iCode Franchise. Worked to create tools used by Instructors nationwide to help with instruction (including AI bots to aid students). Taught both weekly and summer camps in computer science, engineering, and core STEM disciplines to aspiring children, fostering their love for STEM through structured lessons and projects.


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## Contact

Get in touch: Open to collaborations, mentorship, and internship opportunities in aerospace engineering and STEM.
Email: pathakansh10@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansh-pathak1/
GitHub: https://github.com/abc000cool
Email: mailto:pathakansh10@gmail.com