Lukas Steindorf
About Lukas Steindorf
Lukas Steindorf is a Team Lead for Electron GNC at Rocket Lab, with a background in aerospace engineering and extensive experience in guidance, navigation, and control systems. He has worked at various prestigious organizations, including DLR, ESA/ESTEC, and Stanford University, and holds multiple degrees in space science and technology.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Lukas Steindorf currently serves as the Team Lead for Electron GNC at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he oversees the guidance, navigation, and control systems for the Electron rocket. His leadership is focused on enhancing the performance and reliability of the rocket's GNC systems, contributing to Rocket Lab's mission of providing frequent and reliable access to space.
Previous Experience at Rocket Lab
Before his current role, Lukas worked as a GNC Engineer at Rocket Lab from 2020 to 2022. During this time, he was responsible for developing and implementing GNC algorithms and systems for the Electron rocket. His work contributed to the successful launches and operations of Rocket Lab's missions, showcasing his expertise in aerospace engineering.
Education and Expertise
Lukas Steindorf holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering from Aachen University of Applied Sciences, which he completed from 2010 to 2014. He further advanced his education with two Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees in Space Science and Technology, one from The Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg (2014-2016) and another from Luleå University of Technology (2015). His academic background equips him with a strong foundation in aerospace systems and technology.
Professional Background
Lukas has a diverse professional background in aerospace engineering, having worked in various roles across multiple organizations. He was a Trainee at DLR, focusing on solar sail design and NASA's Mars Mission InSight experiment. He also gained experience as a Mechanical Engineer for GOSSAMER solar sailing and as a Trainee at ESA/ESTEC in Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems. His experience spans from 2013 to 2019, providing him with a broad understanding of aerospace systems.
Research and Development Experience
Lukas Steindorf has engaged in significant research and development activities throughout his career. He worked as a Research Scholar at Stanford University, where he focused on Continuous Formation Flying Control. His involvement in projects related to solar sail technology and satellite formation flying reflects his commitment to advancing aerospace engineering and technology.