Karthik Krishnakumar

Core member of the suborbital launch vehicle and ground systems team, contributing from concept design through commissioning and operations. Served as Project Lead for India’s first private launch pad, managing end-to-end electrical and instrumentation scope across test facilities, launch infrastructure, and mission support systems. Designed and commissioned low- and medium-voltage power distribution systems for rocket test stands, launch pads, and mission control facilities. Engineered and deployed electrical control and instrumentation cabinets (>2,500 I/O) supporting cryo, semi-cryo, non-cryo, and high-pressure propulsion test environments. Led design reviews and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for control panels, junction boxes, field wiring, and grounding/earthing systems in compliance with IS, IEC, and aerospace safety standards. Produced complete technical documentation including system architecture diagrams, SLDs, cable schedules, I/O lists, wiring schematics, and interlock logic using AutoCAD and EPLAN. Designed and validated ignition systems, safety interlocks, emergency shutdown logic, and permissive chains, integrating high-voltage isolation, signal conditioning, and fail-safe mechanisms. Built and commissioned custom propulsion test rigs and test stands for development, qualification, and validation activities. Implemented redundant power architectures (UPS, DG synchronization, backup schemes) to ensure uninterrupted operation during critical test and launch campaigns. Coordinated with civil, controls, instrumentation, safety, and operations teams for integrated commissioning, dry runs, and live test readiness. Supported field testing, calibration, loop checks, and troubleshooting, acting as a technical interface between engineering, operations, and management in a fast-paced launch environment.

Performed RF, analog, and digital system testing, environmental qualification, and EMI/EMC testing (MIL-STD-810G & 461E). Conducted functional and system-level testing for aerospace and defense electronics. Developed test plans, wiring setups, and validation protocols for control and signal processing systems. Supported calibration, data logging, and troubleshooting using oscilloscopes, VNA, spectrum analyzers, and NI LabVIEW setups.