Explorer by heart, Engineer by training

Dr. Anita Sengupta is a rocket scientist,  aerospace engineer, professor, and instrument rated pilot who for over 20 years has been developing technologies that have enabled the exploration of Mars, Asteroids, and Deep Space. She started her career working on the launch vehicles and communications satellites at Boeing Space and Communications. Next her journey took her to the forefront of the US space program. At NASA her doctoral research focused the developing the ion engines that powered the Dawn spacecraft to reach Vesta and Ceres in the main asteroid belt launched in 2006. Next she worked on the supersonic parachute system and skycrane that was integral to the landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars in 2012. From 2012 to 2017 she led the development of the Cold Atom Laboratory, a laser-cooling quantum physics facility which is now on board the International Space Station. 

Dr. Sengupta is also a Research Associate Professor at the University of Southern California. She teaches the only Entry Descent and Landing class on the West Coast for Graduate students in the Astronautics and Space Technology Department. 

She is also a professional public speaker and STEM outreach advocate. She keynotes events around the world sharing with audiences her personal and professional experiences of Engineering the Red Planet and From Flying Cars to Humans on Mars.

In her spare time she is an avid commercial pilot, motorcyclist, snow boarder, bicyclist, and science fiction enthusiast. If you would like to request a speaking engagement please contact her below.