MEET kURT
Undergraduate - Aerospace Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
From: Nairobi, Kenya
"I'm a dual US-Canadian citizen, born in Singapore, grew up overseas in Nairobi, Kenya, and have always been interested in using aerospace as a tool for positive social impact back on Earth. My end goal is to be working in space, as an astronaut, by the time I'm 35."
Background
Kurt Gugelev-Shapiro is a third-year Aerospace Engineering student at Georgia Tech and a member of the Southeast Analog team. His work focuses on spacecraft systems, mission architecture, and advancing technologies that support future human space exploration. Kurt has gained hands-on experience in the commercial space industry through internships at SpaceX. During his first internship he worked on the Starship Tower team, contributing to systems directly supporting the first booster catch. He later joined the Starship Mechanisms team, where he worked on critical-path systems related to in-space docking and propellant transfer. He will return to the Tower team in Summer 2026. His technical experience spans both spacecraft systems modeling and advanced robotics for planetary exploration.
Research Experience
Kurt spent two years conducting research at the Georgia Tech Aerospace Systems Design Lab, where he developed complex models for spacecraft architectures and lunar habitat evolution. He now conducts research at the Aerospace Robotics Lab at Georgia Tech, focusing on multi-rover swarm mechanics for planetary exploration and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
Internships
SpaceX: Starship Tower Team, Starship Mechanisms Team
Interests
Kurt’s interests include liquid rocket systems, spacecraft mission design, flying, blacksmithing, SCUBA diving, and advanced space exploration technologies.
Leadership Involvement
Co-Founder & Heads of Logistics: Southeast Analog
Chief Engineer: Yellow Jacket Space Program