Alexander Burns | Aerospace Engineering

Summary

I am a 4th year aerospace engineering student at UC San Diego specializing in astrodynamics and controls, with hands-on experience in spacecraft systems, satellite operations, and multidisciplinary vehicle design. My work focuses on data-driven analysis, modeling and simulation, and validation through testing across space and aerospace applications.

Strengths

Modeling & simulation (MATLAB, Python, CFD, FEA)
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Verification, validation, and testing

Interests

GNC for spacecraft, especially trajectory optimization and control
Spacecraft systems design and mission-level trade studies
Sacrificing sleep for convergence

Experiences

L

2025 – Present

UCSD - Design Optimization Laboratory

Aircraft and quadrotor design optimization integrating aerodynamics, GNC constraints, and mission performance.

Planet — Systems Engineering Intern

Spacecraft systems analysis, risk reduction, and environmental testing support for the Pelican Block II program, including GNC, power, and structural validation.

Viasat — Satellite Operations Intern

Developed operational tools and supported flight dynamics activities including station-keeping optimization and anomaly mitigation for GEO satellites.

Projects

Rover Elbow Joint

Yonder Dynamics (URC)

Carbon-Fiber Aero Package

Triton Racing (FSAE)

Cold Flow Simulation

Personal

Cessna 172 Wing Structure

Personal