Jacob Mesley
University of Colorado, Boulder
MS Aerospace Engineering (Expected Dec. 2026)
University of Colorado, Boulder
MS Aerospace Engineering (Expected Dec. 2026)
Hello!
I'm Jake, and I'm currently a second-year graduate student (MS) studying Aerospace Engineering with a focus on Satellite Assembly, Test and Integration, as well as Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation.
This website serves as a comprehensive account of my experiences to date. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Email:
jacob.mesley@lasp.colorado.edu
LinkedIn:
Graduate Systems Engineer - Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) 6U CubeSat
Aug. 2024 - Present Boulder, CO - USAAs a Graduate Systems Engineer, I broadly support assembly, test and integration of flight hardware. I work alongside fellow students, professional engineers, and SMEs at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). The primary focus of my work has been on the Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) 6U CubeSat as it nears the end of its integration and test phase.
Satellite Systems Engineering Intern - Space Dynamics Laboratory - UNP MC-1 Program
May 2023 - July 2023 Albuquerque, NM - USAAs a part of this summer program, I helped develop a mock CubeSat mission concept. Mission statements, objectives, requirements, budgets, and major review documents were created and reviewed by mentors from the following institutions: Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP), NASA, and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).
Research Assistant, SPACE Lab - Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences Department
May 2023 - May 2024 Melbourne, FL - USAAs a research assistant in the SPACE Lab at Florida Tech, I worked closely with Dr. Paula do Vale Pereira on space systems, spacecraft engineering, and space exploration projects.
Tutoring - Florida Institute of Technology
Aug. 2023 - May 2024 Melbourne, FL - USAManager: Kawanda Rembert
At the Florida Tech Student Success and Support Center, I provided tutoring for the following six classes:
Space Flight Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Applied Mechanics: Dynamics, Applied Mechanics: Statics, Physics I, and Physics II
Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering - Univeristy of Colorado, Boulder
Aug 2024 - Dec. 2026 (Expected)Advisor: Prof. Hanspeter Schaub
Focus: Astrodynamics and Satellite Navigation Systems
Certificate: Space Weather and Applications
Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering - Florida Institute of Technology
August 2020 - May 2024 (Expected) GPA: 3.77 / 4.0Advisor: Prof. Daniel Kirk
Minor: Physics
In grad school, I've ended up developing some basic fundamental astrodynamic code bases, which can be seen on my github. I've primarilly done this work using Python.
In my free time, I develop video games! I primarilly do this work using the open source game engine, Godot.
Senior Capstone - Solid Propellant Adaptive and Responsive Combustion Control System (SPARCC)
Sept. 2021 - May 2022 Melbourne, FL - USAA proof of concept system designed to throttle and control the thrust generated by solid propellant fuel. The chemical propellant, as well as the system itself, were designed and manufactured in house.
Rocket Engine Test Stand - Personal Project
Jan 2022 - May 2023 Melbourne, FL - USAA custom thrust stand with the capacity to measure up to 20kg of force horizontally. Wireless controls, data storage, and custom Printed Circut Boards (PCBs) were all designed and based around an Arduino microcontroller.
Florida Tech Rocketry - Recovery Subsystem Lead
Aug. 2022 - May 2023 Melbourne, FL - USALead the development for the recovery subsystem on a rocket with a target altitude of 10,000 feet. Oversaw creation of procedures for manufacturing of the charges, and for parachute packing to ensure safe decent.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Membership: Aug. 2020 - PresentTreasurer: April 2022 - Jan. 2024As Tresurer, I managed fund disbursement and collection for Florida Tech's AIAA student chapter.
Although I have since graduated from Florida Tech, I still remain a national member of AIAA.
AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition
Role: Presenter, Student Attendee Jan. 2024 Orlando, FL - USAResearch Presented: MECO: Mission concept dEvelopment of a CubeSat for lunar Observation.
Small Satellite Conference
Role: Student Attendee Aug. 2023 Logan, UT - USAListened to presenters from across the world speak about current research, past missions, and lessons learned from small satellites.
2023 Region II AIAA Student Conference (AIAA)
Role: Student Attendee March 2023 Knoxville, TN - USASupported presenters from Florida Tech and other Region II Universities. While at the conference, students received a tour of Oak Ridge National Labs.
2022 Region II AIAA Student Conference (AIAA)
Role: Presenter, Student Attendee March 2022 Atlanta, GA - USACategory: Open Topic.
Research Presented: Physics and Applications of Artificial Gravity Through Centrifugal Acceleration.
While at the conference, students received a tour of the Hermeus Facility.
Machine Shop Certification - Florida Institute of Technology
2022 Melbourne, FL - USATraining to operate manual Mills, Lathes, and Band Saws. Must also demonstrate common machine shop safety practices and etiquette.
High Power Rocketry Level 1 Certification - National Association of Rocketry (NAR)
2023 Melbourne, FL - USASuccessfully built, flew, and recovered a model rocket with an H or I class motor.
Laser Cutter Certification - Florida Institute of Technology
2022 Melbourne, FL - USATraining to operate a typical machine/design shop laser cutter.