Gian Luigi Somma
Aerospace Engineer
Hello! I’m Gian Luigi, a passionate aerospace engineer with 10+ years experience in the space field, eager to embark on new challenging space-related projects. I am proficient in 10+ programming language with a 10+ year experience, and I have a proven record as a thermal, mechanical, and system engineer within ESA, and DLR. I coached the winning team of the ESA competition “Fly your Satellite!”.
IT Engineer
I am also a proactive rapid learner proficient in 10+ programming language with a 14+ year experience. Proven record as programmer, and full-stack developer.
Contents
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Education

Bachelor's Degree Aerospace Engineering
2010
97/110
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Master's Degree Astronautical Engineering
2013
110/110
School of Aerospace Engineering,
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

PhD Space Debris Modelling
2019
110/110
Astronautics Research Group,
University of Southampton, U.K
Research

Visiting Scientist School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
2013-14
Discovered and published Mars orbits that maximised lander-satellite dwell time.

Visiting PhD Student Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
2017
Fostered academic collaboration on space debris between Southampton University and Politecnico di Milano.

PhD Space Debris Astronautics Research Group, University of Southampton, U.K.
2014-2019
Developed and published a new space debris model with an innovative feedback controller.

Visiting Scientist University of Cambridge, U.K.
2018 – Current
Testing and refactoring of a C++ research software, built a continuous integration and delivery with GitHub and Circle Ci. Two publications are in preparations.
Work Experience
Please, select one of the following sector to see a tailored example of my work experience.
Space Engineer
Satellite mission analysis and design Cambridge Space Technology
2019 –
Designing and optimising mission architecture using professional tools such as AGI STK.
Space System Engineer UoS3 CubeSat Mission, Southampton University, U.K.
2017 – 2018
Coached the winning CubeSat team of the ESA competition “Fly your Satellite!”. Implemented an inventory for satellite parts.
Space Debris Modelling PhD, University of Southampton, U.K.
2015 – 2019
Developed and published a new space debris model with an innovative feedback controller.
Space Propulsion DLR, Institute of Space Propulsion, Germany
2012 – 2013
Developed and optimised a model of a cryogenic test-bench to validate experimental results.
Space Thermal Engineer European Space Agency, European Student Moon Orbiter, Phase B
2008 – 2009
Engineered thermal solutions to ensure the survival of a lunar orbiter in worst-case scenarios.
Satellite Engineer (Structural) Student Space Exploration and Technology Initiative, Phase A
2008 – 2009
Designed and evaluated (CAM/FEM) preliminary configurations of a small satellite.
Outreach Activities Astronomy and Astronautics Classes and Outreach Activities
2004 – 2015
Spearheaded in astronomy classes and popular science events (talks, star parties) to spread culture and passion for space.
Web developer

Software and Web Developer University of Cambridge, U.K.
2018 – Current
Built a continuous integration and delivery system with GitHub and Circle Ci. Performed code test, refactoring and development (C++, YML). Webmaster of the EEG website.

Front-End Web Developer Self-employed
2005 – Current
Convert customers’ ideas and visions into modern and professional websites.
Past and current Clients







Comet, Roma Leones, BibliotecaGiapponese
Skills
Engineering and Computer Skills
Programming Languages | C++, Fortran, Ecosim Language, LaTeX, Matlab, R, Shell, Visual Basic, YML. |
Web Development | Ajax, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, JSON, MySQL, PHP, Sass/SCSS, XML |
Web-related Software | Adobe CC, cPanel, EasyPHP, WordPress |
Software Development | Visual Studio, VS Code, version control (Git, GitHub), CI/CD (CircleCI). |
Transferable skills
Written and verbal communication | 2 peer-reviewed articles; 5 papers, 4 oral presentations, 2 interactive presentations, and 1 poster at international conferences. |
Teamwork | Gained from experience in international projects and research groups. |
Flexibility | Easily adapted to different roles in the industry and research field thanks to a proactive continuous learning attitude (e.g. via Lynda.com/LinkedIn learning) |
Problem solving | Lateral and critical thinker with a creative mind and strong analytical skills. |
Language proficiency
Fluent in French (DELF B2) and English (IELTS); Italian native speaker.
Honours and Awards
- 2014 - Among the winner s of the NASA competition “Mars Sample Return Project”
- 2014 - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training, 3 Years Studentship Grant
- 2016 - Top 3 Interactive Presentations at 67th IAC
- 2017 - Member of the winning team of the 2nd edition of the ESA competition “Fly your Satellite!”
CV Download
You can download one of the following tailored Curriculum Vitae.