Kwanyoung Park | Astronautical Engineering at USC
I am an Astronautical Engineering student at the University of Southern California with a background spanning Austin, Seoul, and Beijing. During my tenure at USC through Fall 2025, I was an active member of the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab and the AeroDesign Team, focusing on propulsion systems and flight dynamics.
I am currently transitioning into the U.S. Air/Space Force, where I intend to apply my engineering foundations to military space operations. My long-term objective is the development of orbital and planetary infrastructure that will define the next century of the space economy. This portfolio archives my technical projects, from 9-DOF sensor fusion to theoretical cosmology, reflecting a commitment to solving complex problems at the intersection of physics and applied astronautics.
Focus
My objective is to engineer the control architectures required to sustain advanced spacecraft operations in both orbital and deep space environments. I view spacecraft as the critical infrastructure bridges needed to solve resource scarcity issue and strengthen research ultimately towards the universe.
By mastering the intersection of high-fidelity GNC and propulsion optimization, I aim to contribute to the construction of a permanent, high-output human presence in the universe.
Current Mission Log
Status: Post-Processing 2022 Static Fire Data
Implementing a Savitzky-Golay filter in Python to smooth Load Cell noise and recalculate precise Specific Impulse ($I_{sp}$) values for cement-cast nozzle trials.
Status: Orbital Engine Optimization
Refining the Shooting Method logic in the N-Body Simulator to reduce Delta-V margins for Earth-Mars transfer windows.
Projects
De Laval Nozzle Optimization →
Developed a thrust measurement system to analyze nozzle performance and validated geometry using CAD. Discovered the possibility of controlling nozzle entrance angle as a control system for small solid rocket motors.
N-Body Simulator →
Designed a Python-based simulator to model planetary orbital transfer–though tailored for Earth-to-Mars transfer, any transfers could be simulated. Achieved a 15% increase in computation speed through algorithm optimization.
Vector: GNC & Navigation →
Led a team of 6 to build a 9-DOF flight dynamics stack. Implemented Complementary Filters and DCM coordinate rotations to establish stable inertial navigation.
Technical Skills
- Programming & Simulation
- Python, C++, MATLAB, Simulink, HTML5/CSS3/JS
- CAD & Analysis
- SolidWorks (FEA), OpenSCAD, Ansys
- Engineering Tools
- STK 12, LaTeX, Microsoft Office Suite
Philosophy:
"Just living..."
Being an engineer, I believe in staying grounded. I dream big but try to keep things simple.