Mahhad Nayyer, a graduate researcher in Purdue Engineering’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program

Mahhad Nayyer, a graduate researcher in Purdue Engineering’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program, was recently recognized as one of five Young Space Leaders (YSL) for 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in Sydney, Australia. The YSL Recognition Program is awarded to exceptional students and young professionals who contribute to astronautics in their academic or early careers, reach out to other young people in their communities to share knowledge and experiences, have been engaged with the international space community and contribute to IAF activities.

Nayyer’s research focuses on advancing Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities and enhancing Space Traffic Management (STM) protocols by analytically assessing orbital capacity through slotting architectures in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Earlier, he also was part of an international collaboration with fellow Purdue PhD student Muhammad Haroon to send Pakistan’s first experimental payload to the International Space Station, marking a historic first for their home country.

He shares his thoughts on winning this prestigious international award, his research interests and why he chose Purdue Engineering to continue his studies in space systems.

What does winning this prestigious global award mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally, I view every award not just as a celebration, but as a responsibility and a renewed commitment to continue working diligently towards meaningful impact. This recognition reinforces my resolve to not only work hard but to work innovatively and strategically to navigate the sociopolitical and economic challenges that often accompany efforts in global space sustainability. I will use this award as a personal benchmark to stay accountable in advancing a space future that is inclusive, equitably accessible and driven by an end-to-end sustainability paradigm.

Professionally, this represents one of the highest honors a young space professional can receive. To be recognized among only five global awardees and as one of just two engineers is an immense source of pride for me, and a moment of deep gratitude toward my current and past alma maters who have shaped my journey. This award reaffirms my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the global space community through research, leadership and collaboration.

What is your research focus? What investigative avenues are you pursuing?

My research lies within Astrodynamics and Space Applications (ASA), where I focus on the analytical assessment of orbital carrying capacity. Traditionally, carrying capacity in orbit has been studied through probabilistic methods; however, my work seeks to develop analytical formulations that not only enhance the precision of these assessments but also significantly reduce computational costs. Establishing a reliable analytical understanding of orbital carrying capacity is essential to inform legal, policy and technical frameworks for effective Space Traffic Coordination (STC) and Space Traffic Management (STM).

Beyond this core focus, my research also explores the interconnectedness between orbital carrying capacity and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities, recognizing that sustainable space operations depend on how well we detect, track and characterize objects in orbit. In parallel, I am deeply invested in the interdisciplinary dimensions of space sustainability  actively training myself across SSA, STM, space law and policy, to help bridge the gap between technical research and the governance mechanisms that will define the future of responsible space activity. 

What spurred your interest in this particular topic and line of research?

After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a dual major in Astronautical Engineering and Humanities, I returned to my home country and began working at the Student Space Research Lab at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Around that time, the commercial space race was rapidly accelerating, and one of my undergraduate research teams developed an SSA tracker leveraging open-source Two-Line Element (TLE) data. Within just two years, I observed a remarkable increase in global launch cadence. Events such as the Fengyun-1C anti-satellite test (2007) and the Cosmos-Iridium collision (2009) had already produced large debris clouds concentrated at specific orbital altitudes and inclinations. With my background in engineering and social sciences along with an interest in geopolitics, it became evident that this growing orbital congestion was not merely a technical challenge, but a systemic one — deeply intertwined with questions of policy, economics and sustainability.

In 2020, I joined the Master of Space Systems Engineering (SpaceTech) program at the Technical University of Graz, sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Safety Office. As part of our research, my team and I conducted interviews with more than a dozen space industry stakeholders to assess their Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) needs. It was through these discussions that I fully realized the magnitude of positional uncertainty faced by satellite operators and the pressing need for accurate, reliable, scalable frameworks to manage orbital traffic.

Recognizing that humanity’s access to orbit is neither limitless nor guaranteed, I chose to devote my efforts to reimagining how we understand and govern the architecture of space itself — not merely as a technical domain, but as a living system whose balance determines the future of exploration, equity, and endurance beyond Earth.

Award to Mahhad Nayyer for being recognized as one of five Young Space Leaders (YSL) for 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF)

Why did you choose Purdue to continue your studies as a graduate student?

I chose Purdue University for its unparalleled legacy in engineering excellence and its culture of rigor, innovation and impact. For decades, Purdue has produced some of the world’s finest aerospace engineers and explorers, earning its title as the Cradle of Astronauts, a legacy that continues to inspire generations of space professionals.

What drew me most, however, was not only Purdue’s reputation, but its commitment to bridging theory and practice. The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics fosters an environment where technical depth meets real-world application, precisely the balance required to address the complex challenges of modern space systems. Under the mentorship of distinguished faculty and my advisor Professor David Arnas, I saw the opportunity to refine my research in astrodynamics, orbital design and space sustainability within a globally recognized academic ecosystem.

For me, Purdue represents more than an institution; it represents a continuum of curiosity and courage, values that mirror my own pursuit of advancing a sustainable, equitable and enduring space future.

When did you first get interested in engineering and space systems?

The truth is that my earliest dream was to fly; I always wanted to become a pilot. However, during my sophomore year at the U.S. Air Force Academy, I made a pivotal decision to shift from Aeronautical Engineering to Astronautical Engineering. Part of that decision came from practicality. I didn’t want to limit myself to aircraft maintenance in case the pilot route didn’t materialize — but more than that, I was captivated by the complexity and scale of challenges that space presented. The idea of being a developmental engineer contributing to space systems felt both daring and deeply meaningful.

As I delved deeper into orbital mechanics, systems engineering and mission design, I realized that my fascination with flight had evolved into something far greater: a passion for understanding, enabling, and sustaining humanity’s presence beyond Earth. By the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to the space sector, whether in academia, government, or industry.

What else have you learned at Purdue, beyond deepening your knowledge of subject matter?

Purdue has an academic culture that sets a remarkably high bar, one defined not just by intelligence, but by endurance, perseverance and integrity in the pursuit of excellence. I’ve witnessed students here dedicate themselves fully, often going far beyond what is required, to produce work that reflects both technical mastery and personal pride. That environment has deeply shaped my own approach to research and learning.

Throughout my time at Purdue, I’ve often found myself in survival mode, juggling demanding research responsibilities, additional coursework and leadership roles beyond the classroom. Yet, it is precisely within that intensity that I’ve discovered how growth happens. I’ve learned that grit and rigor are not simply academic virtues; they are the foundation of meaningful innovation. Solutions that endure whether in engineering or policy are built not only on intellect, but on persistence, discipline and the courage to keep refining until the soultion truly yields impacful outcomes.

What advice might you give to other students deciding where to attend graduate school?

I would advise that one of the most important steps in pursuing a graduate degree is to find your research niche and a lab that aligns with your curiosity and long-term goals. Your research topic will define not just your dissertation, but several years of your life, so it’s crucial to identify a field that genuinely excites you and contributes to something larger than yourself.

Equally important is developing a strong, honest relationship with your advisor. Have open conversations early on about your research aspirations, expectations and desired outcomes. A great advisor–student relationship is built on trust, communication and mutual respect. When you enjoy both the work you’re doing and the person you’re working with, the PhD journey becomes exponentially more fulfilling while transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Beyond the academic aspect, I encourage graduate students to immerse themselves in the ecosystem surrounding their respective field. In my case, being part of the space sector means actively engaging with organizations, conferences and working groups across academia, industry and policy. Staying connected to these communities gives you a real-time understanding of the field’s direction, its emerging challenges, opportunities and evolving priorities. It also helps you position your research in a way that’s both technically rigorous and globally relevant.

What about the future? What are your goals; what are you looking to accomplish in this field?

Looking ahead, my overarching goal is to contribute meaningfully towards the end-to-end sustainable use and exploration of space. I want to help shape a future where space activities are not only innovative and commercially viable, but also governed by principles of responsibility, equity and long-term stewardship.

In the years to come, I envision myself working toward the development of a global, distributed space traffic coordination/management framework as an interconnected system that enables nations, companies and institutions to operate safely and collaboratively in orbit. Ideally, I would love to serve as a program manager or policy–technical bridge for such an initiative, guiding efforts that merge data-sharing, governance, and systems engineering into a unified global infrastructure for space safety. Whether this role emerges within a commercial enterprise, a multilateral organization, or a governmental partnership remains to be seen, but the mission remains the same: to ensure that space remains an accessible, predictable and sustainable domain for all.

Beyond the technical sphere, I am deeply interested in international business development and capacity-building, particularly in helping emerging space nations integrate into this global ecosystem. With my educational and professional experiences across three continents, I take great pride in my diverse network of colleagues, mentors and collaborators. I hope to continue leveraging those connections to foster inclusive participation, bridge policy with engineering and advance a shared vision of space that benefits both humanity on Earth and our expanding presence beyond it.

Might you share with us a little window into your personality: some distinctive trait, habit of mind, hobby/pursuit outside studies?

For the longest time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in life. Looking back now, I think what I was searching for was a way to express myself, my thoughts, my ideas, my curiosity. That’s probably why I’ve always been drawn to a wide range of subjects, from analytical philosophy and comparative religion to astrodynamics and test flight mechanics. People often say you have to pick one thing and stay focused on it, but I’ve never quite agreed. I believe our interests evolve, and each phase of life allows a different part of us to grow. We just need to figure out how to manifest our expression, whether through a painting or a code.

These days, I try to push myself out of my comfort zone whenever I travel for conferences. Before the AMOS Tech Conference in Hawaii, I spent three nights camping on top of a Jeep Wrangler and exploring the trails of Maui. Before the International Astronautical Congress, I went snorkelling with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) group in Australia. At some point in life, your apartment or hotel rooms become a comfort zone, and I like to break that by doing something new and unpredictable.

Outside of research, I enjoy visiting museums and art galleries, going for hiking or painting classes, and caring for my houseplants. Reading is something I wish I could do more regularly as a graduate student, but I still make time for it when I can. Lately, I’ve been reading “Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez, a beautiful reminder that patience and passion can coexist, both in love and in life.