Member spotlight – Hariharan Krishnan

Meet Hariharan Krishnan, a dynamic fifth-year Engineering Physics student at the University of Alberta whose unbridled enthusiasm for space exploration fuels his academic journey. During high school, Hari’s fascination with mathematics and physics drew him towards the Faculty of Engineering, and his affinity for engineering grew as he embraced a discipline that allowed him to expand his knowledge and tackle new challenges. His heart gravitates towards space exploration, considering it the “final frontier,” rich with endless possibilities. His vision is that exploring space holds the key to groundbreaking innovations that can transform and better our world.

After initially learning about the group through friends, Hari joined the communcations team in 2021. What captured his attention was witnessing the group’s tangible results, and he was eager to engage in hands-on work that he could see directly translated into the launch of a satellite. Hariharan eventually became the communcations team lead, where he worked on UHF antenna assembly and software defined radio (SDR) development, and was the Project Manager for AlbertaSat’s BIRDS-X payload mission. Through this journey, he’s come to appreciate the critical value of organization and teamwork in realizing complex projects.

One of Hari’s best memories from his time at AlbertaSat is when he conducted antenna radiation pattern testing in the engineering quad. His genuine excitement and readiness to explain the group’s mission to curious students made that day memorable. Hari invites others to join AlbertaSat, emphasizing the sense of community and the hands-on experience it provides beyond traditional classroom learning.

Beyond his passion for space, Hari finds joy in playing video games, exploring literature, and nurturing his fascination with aviation. In the future, Hariharan aspires to forge a career in aerospace, drawing inspiration from organizations like the Canadian Space Agency. His ultimate goal is to contribute to society through groundbreaking advancements in the field.