Ruthvik Bommena

PhD Candidate @ UIUC | Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) | Astrodynamics | Private Pilot

  1. Assembly of Large Aperture Space Telescopes in Cislunar Space Using a Swarm of Autonomous Small Satellites

    Champaign, IL | Aug 2022 – Aug 2023 | Project Link

    • Led key efforts in a NASA STTR Phase 1 collaboration with NASA JPL, Ten One Aerospace, and UIUC on autonomous satellite swarms for in-space telescope assembly.
    • Developed optimal guidance and control algorithms for cislunar and deep-space assembly simulations.
    • Delivered bi-weekly presentations to stakeholders and authored technical reports for project deliverables.

  2. Picture and Video of Earth from the Edge of Space

    Chicago, IL | Aug 2020 – May 2021 | Project Link | Box Drive

    • Designed and launched a high-altitude balloon system for Earth imagery from the edge of space.
    • Integrated custom subsystems including antennas, onboard cameras, GPS, and an autonomous landing system.
    • Designed and tested a servo-based release mechanism for payload recovery.

  3. AIAA UIC Chapter

    Chicago, IL | Sep 2017 – Jan 2020 | Project Link

    • Analyzed structural dynamics and fabricated rocket components like nosecone, body, and motor assembly.
    • Contributed to SRAD 30k 1st place and COTS 2nd place wins at IREC 2018.
    • Optimized rocket performance using simulation and experimental testing under various flight loads.