Astronautics

About

Hi! I am Rodrigo Schmitt, an Aerospace Engineer, Astrophysicist, and Analog Astronaut from Brazil, dedicated to advancing high tech and space exploration through AI, computational design, and systems engineering. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Aeronautics & Astronautics at Purdue University, researching AI-driven space mission design at the Center of Integrated Systems in Aerospace under Prof. Daniel Delaurentis.

My expertise spans astrodynamics, hands-on hardware development, and artificial intelligence for space applications. As a core part of my research, I developed the generative design of space systems using Kerbal Space Program with the Realism Overhaul mod to simulate spacecraft from the Artemis missions and explore new concepts. As a result, I have been awarded prestigious fellowships, including the Ross PhD Fellowship and Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship, and have presented my contributions to space systems engineering in the International Astronautical Congress, IEEE Aerospace Conference and other platforms.

Beyond research, I co-founded RocketPy, a widely used Python-based rocketry simulation library, and served as Chief Communications Officer at Translunar Exports & Servicing, securing funding and contributing to the development of ACECam, a satellite computer vision subsystem enabling precise relative navigation. My hands-on experience extends to Raspberry Pi and LIDAR integration for terrain mapping during Mars missions as an analog astronaut at the Mars Desert Projects Station. I also led Purdue's first dedicated human space exploration chapter, Purdue SEARCH, which is developing the first closed-loop analog training facility in the Western world.

Philosophy

I believe that a solid foundation in fundamental sciences is key to solving complex engineering challenges. My background integrates physics, mathematics, coding, and hands-on hardware development as essential tools for tackling the future of space technology.