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Andrew Sapuppo (AeroEngr, EngrPhys'24)

Andrew Sapuppo graduated in May 2024 with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in aerospace engineering and engineering physics from the É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥. Learn more about his undergraduate research experiences, career path, favorite CU memory, and advice for future students.

From the nanoscale to black holes

While an undergrad, Andrew worked at CU’s Aerospace Nanoscale Lab, where he contributed to improving the robustness of potential quantum computer storage systems. He also worked as a space plasma instrumentation analyst at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), where he evaluated the accuracy of instruments aboard NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites (MMS).

In addition to his engineering experience, Andrew wrote and successfully defended an honors thesis on Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback and galaxy formation by simulating plasma accretion flows around supermassive black holes.

Career takes flight

After graduating from CU, Andrew became a computational plasma physicist at Thea Energy. Here, he helped develop technology for fusion reactors by optimizing diverter systems.

Now, Andrew works directly in the field of human spaceflight. He works as a propulsion systems engineer at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center as a contractor. His work entails analyzing the Main Propulsion Systems (MPS) on the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) of the Space Launch System (SLS) block 1B. Specifically, he creates thermal models of the liquid oxygen (LOx) and hydrogen tanks to benchmark performance for various stages of flight.

Additionally, Andrew oversees the main propulsion systems for the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. His work ensures Falcon 9 meets mission requirements to send NASA astronauts to the International Space Station safely.

Favorite É«½ä³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ memory

Andrew recalls his favorite memory was hiking to the Royal Arch the first weekend he moved there with people he barely knew. That group would become great friends throughout all of college.

Advice for future students

Get involved with as many different groups after school as possible, both academic and recreation based. Use them to really figure out what you like and surround yourself with people who have similar goals, so you can all help each other accomplish them.