DR. ANITA SENGUPTA

engineer-explorer-educator

Dr. Anita Sengupta

Dr. Anita Sengupta is a rocket scientist, aerospace engineer, professor, and commercial 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.

Hydrogen Aviation

Innovation Here at Home

The Future of Transportation

Her next engineering role took her to the private sector as a senior executive leading the development of an in-vacuum, magnetically levitating, electrically propelled high-speed transportation system known as the Hyperloop. She led the product planning, systems architecture, regulatory compliance, and human safety certification as Senior Vice President of Systems Engineering at Virgin Hyperloop.

Her current venture is leading the development of hydrogen fuel cell powered aircraft as CEO and founder of Hydroplane Ltd. As an aviation entrepreneur Dr. Sengupta is putting her space program skills to help solve challenges here at home. With her companies novel hydrogen-based powerplant technology, the path to decarbonize aviation can happen within the decade.

Air

Electric Propulsion

Land

Hyperloop

Sea

Electric Propulsion

Visionary

Science Educator and Communicator

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, runner, motorcyclist, snow boarder, bicyclist, and science fiction enthusiast. If you would like to request a speaking engagement please submit a request.

Testimonials

Inspiration from Engineering

When talking about inspiring women in aviation, it’s impossible not to mention Dr. Sengupta. She is an aerospace engineer and executive, commercial pilot, climate-tech entrepreneur, engineering professor, and a veteran of space exploration. Do we have to say more?”

Aviation Next

From Flying Cars to Humans on Mars

From Career Advice to Innovation Mindset.

Tagged:

MARS

Earth

TRANSPORT

TEDx Liverpool

A rocket scientist who can deliver though provoking keynotes on everything from quantum mechanics to landing on mars.

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Science

Engineering

NASA

Real World Experience

“She is a person who has actually literally put her money where her mouth is… taking many of the learnings, technologies, education, her career, her achievements in space research and applying them to real problems here on Earth.” 

-Shiv Aroor, India Today

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SPACE

AVIATION

BUSINESS

  • Dr. Sengupta to Deliver the Keynote for the Women in Engineering Conference at Cal State University Long Beach in April 2026.

  • Dr. Sengupta is a Special Guest at Gallifrey One Doctor Who Convention

  • Dr. Sengupta Leads LA Times Women in Tech Panel