The past 10 weeks at Princeton Satellite Systems have been a life changing experience. During my summer off from the University of Pennsylvania, I have worked as an intern for the company. This gave me the opportunity to learn from trailblazers in the industry and to be immersed in a community passionate and dedicated to the work.
I first heard of Princeton Satellite Systems at the Dawn of Private Space Science Symposium in 2017. After that, Mike graciously agreed to come speak for the Penn Aerospace Club in the fall and the Ivy Space Coalition Conference the next spring. Everyone in attendance was fascinated by the presentation and I felt so lucky that I would have the chance to learn so much more soon. Connections like these are what drive the aerospace community and as I expand my communication I hope to stay closely in touch with the people I came to know at PSS.
Through my work, I’ve been doing a lot of Matlab modeling: sizing the components for the Direct Fusion Drive engine, testing a rotating detonation engine, and MHD plasma simulation. The idea of these technologies enhancing propulsive power and efficiency is fascinating and has great potential for the future of space travel.
My summer at Princeton Satellite Systems has helped me to enhance my technical understanding and skills: I’ve definitely gained a ton of experience in Matlab, and all of my studying of plasma modeling should give me a head start in my fluids class next semester! I’ve also gained a much better understanding of how the professional world works. I got to help write and edit proposals, sit in on phone calls, and even attend the NIAC meeting at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.
I think that there’s a great benefit in working at a smaller company. You are given plenty of real responsibility and see the changes happening in real time. I will definitely take the lessons I’ve learned this summer and apply them to my education as well as my future career as a mechanical engineer.
I am so grateful for this opportunity. Everyone has been so kind and helpful and patient. The time has flown by, and it definitely made staying in my little Princeton dorm with no air conditioning well worth it! I’ll miss coming in to work every day but I can’t wait to see all the big things that PSS accomplishes.
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