Aritra Sasmal

Aritra Sasmal, PhD, is a Senior GNC Engineer at SpaceX since April 2023, previously holding a similar position at Virgin Orbit from October 2021 to April 2023. At Virgin Orbit, significant contributions included the development of a six degree-of-freedom simulation software for the Launcher One launch vehicle, and the implementation of Hardware-in-Loop GPS simulators to enhance navigation software performance. Prior experience includes a Lead Motion Control Engineer role at Virgin Hyperloop, where Aritra focused on computational models and controllers for mechanical systems, and the development of finite element simulation codes for dynamic analysis. A graduate researcher at the University of Michigan contributed a nonlinear finite element suite for cochlear dynamics and held teaching roles in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. Aritra's academic background includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, following a bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.