During my stay in Japan, I worked at University of Tokyo as a research intern in the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory under the guidance of Nakasuka sensei (Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka.) My work focussed on generating safe trajectories using linear MPC for spacecraft rendezvous. As the number of satellites keep increasing, it is increasingly essential to have active servicing satellites capable of either extending mission life or decommissioning inactive satellites. In this regard, it is vital for them to autonomously be able to generate optimal trajectories and meet target satellites. My work focussed on testing a new framework for a satellite to autonomously  meet with a target satellite.

Working with my labmates, I was able to learn about their work and the research pursued there, which was all very fascinating. In fact, several students were actually working towards a couple of flight projects which were supposed to fly very soon! It was great to get some exposure about the work being pursued here at one of the top labs at University of Tokyo!

On a slightly different note, exploring Japan was a dream come true for me. As a hobbyist photographer, I often found myself clicking photos of the beautiful streets or the tourist spots, some of which were spectacularly picturesque, (Especially Skytree, which happened to be very near to where I lived.) Living and traveling regularly in the trains and observing the Japanese culture was a humbling experience. Summing up my experience in Japan using a short report is perhaps very tough, but my highlights include a trip to the tourist locations like Kyoto, traveling by the Shinkansen, tasting all sorts of delicious food (I absolutely loved ramen, gyoza and monjayaki!) , and visiting anime shops in Akhiabara, all of which were an amazing experience. The people everywhere, were very welcoming and always there to help, even with the language barrier, and I never faced difficulties thanks to their patience and eagerness to help!

My internship at Japan would not have been possible without the support of Honda Cars India, and Honda Foundation Japan, especially with the active support from Yamamoto San and Kosasa San from Japan, and Anu Mehta Ma'am, Pradeep San and Pritam San earlier, from HCIL. I have also very thankful to my lab host professor, Prof. Nakasuka, for giving me the opportunity to work at his lab, and to my labmates, for allowing me to work with them and making me feel welcome. Special shoutout to Vinicius San, for helping me understand some of the culture intricacies and always being there to solve my problems! And, to my flatmates and friends who made my stay at Japan a happy one: Faraaz, Wysh, Thiboult, Farooq, Salim, and Ying!