Vanessa Kuroda

Vanessa Kuroda has a diverse work experience in the aerospace industry. Vanessa started their career as a Space Grant Intern at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2011. Vanessa then interned as an Electrical Engineering Intern at NASA Ames Research Center in 2010, where they worked on the development of a load simulator and control systems for a lunar orbiter power system.

Vanessa later joined the University of Southern California as an Electrical Engineering Graduate Student from 2010 to 2012. During this time, they gained expertise in their field.

In 2012, Vanessa began working at NASA Ames Research Center as a Communications Engineer in the Electronic Instrumentation Systems division. Vanessa played a crucial role in the development of communication subsystems for cubesat missions, including the BioSentinel project, which involved testing the effects of radiation on yeast DNA. Vanessa also supported the Communications subsystem and Real Time Operations Team on the LADEE project.

Vanessa then joined A³ by Airbus in 2018 as a Wireless and Communications Architect for the Altiscope project. Vanessa contributed to the evaluation of policy options and operational models for unmanned aircraft system integration into airspace.

In the same year, Vanessa became a Wireless & Communications Architect at Airbus, working on the Altiscope project. Their role involved analyzing remote identification technologies and standards for UAS, as well as identifying critical spectrum for UAS.

From 2020 to 2021, Vanessa worked as a Staff Telemetry & Comms Engineer at Stratolaunch, where they were responsible for telemetry and communications systems.

Vanessa then joined GUTMA in 2020 as the Technical Lead and Decision Board Member for the GUTMA/GSMA Aerial Connectivity Joint Activity. In this role, they led multiple workstreams focused on connectivity for unmanned aerial systems, aiming to promote safety and develop complex standards.

In 2021, Vanessa joined Blue Origin as the New Glenn Sr. RF Systems Engineer and Lead. Their responsibilities included leading the development, integration, and testing of RF communication systems for the New Glenn rocket.

Currently, Vanessa is working at Outpost as the Lead Mission Systems Engineer, starting in 2022.

Vanessa Kuroda began their education journey in 2002 at the Advanced Technologies Academy, where they studied Computer Science. Vanessa later attended the University of Southern California from 2006 to 2010, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In 2009, Vanessa had the opportunity to study abroad at Queen Mary University of London, furthering their expertise in Electrical Engineering. Vanessa continued their education at the University of Southern California, completing a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from 2010 to 2011.