Kiyoaki Okudaira

In Kyushu University, I major in Aerospace Engineering. Currently, I am working with Professor Hanada, Professor Nakajima, and Professor Yoshimura on space debris research by optical observation. In addition to that, I am working for the Q-Li satellite project, whose objective is to contribute to the space debris problem.

GPA : overall 3.94, major 3.91 (out of 4)

Joined ELEP (Engineering Leaders English Program), I learned the systems of the startup companies in silicon valley. Also, I visited IT companies (e.g. Intel, Apple, Google etc.) and VC (e.g. WiL, Pegasus Tech Ventures) and got acquainted with people working there. In the final presentation of the program, I got the Best Presentation Award (Theme: Fundamentals of the Space Debris Problem).

Grade : A+ (highest)

Joined Kyushu University Q2PEC program, which is short-term exchange program to University of Queensland for the purposes of engineering study and English learning.

Grade : S (highest)

With Professor Hanada, Professor Nakajima, and Professor Yoshimura, I am investigating fragmentations of Russian EKRAN 2 Spacecraft, which were supposed to be generated by an explosion of a battery loaded on. By using an astronomical telescope (the 40cm reflecting telescope at the Pegasus Astronomical Observatory), we are trying to capture trajectories of these fragmentations Then, we are analyzing orbital elements and forms of them by using plate-solving method and lightcurve.

We are developing the Q-Li satellite, whose objective is to contribute to the space debris problem. As a mission analysis team member, I calculated an ideal orbit and design of Q-Li satellite for its mission. In addition, I computed suitable observation condition including its lightcurve and elevation angle etc.

Joined 9 days education program in NASA and study about space exploration and space architecture. Also, I visited NASA's crucial facilities including ISS mission control center and Sonny Carter Training Facility. At the final presentation competition, I got the Olga Bannova Award (best presentation & team work).

Joined Planetary Atmosphere course and worked with NAOJ Associate Prof. Dr. Fuji, her laboratory students and teammates to presume composition of the cool subneptune "K2-18b" by using TauREx (spectrum calculator software)  and Vulcan (chemical equilibration calculator software).

Keio Astrobiology Camp is the event for senior high school and university students who are interested in astrobiology and astronomy. I joined as an aerospace engineering student and worked with students from various fields including astronomy, biology and jurisprudence. Our team focused on usage of VR to reduce people's stress in space.

In this project, with Professor Hanada, Professor Nakajima, and Professor Yoshimura, I calculated orbit prediction of satellites and took pictures of them through an astronomical telescope (the 40cm reflecting telescope in Kyushu University). Using these pictures, I determined actual astronomical position of the satellites by Plate Solve method and its' orbital elements by Gauss's IOD (Initial Orbit Determination) method.

Joined Kyushu University Photography Club (QUPC) and edited website of QUPC as a sub manager.

Joined Kyushu University Japan in Today's World program as a leader of tutors of exchange students.

Joined 2 weeks English learning program at Kings Boston Language Institute in Fisher College. In addition, I visited MIT and interacted with students there.

Joined Canada overseas study program conducted by Shiba junior & senior high school. I studied English and interacted with local students for 2 weeks at Penticton, British Columbia.

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant and Program Coordinator

Student representative presentation (Archive on YouTube)

Teaching Assistant and Program Coordinator