Flight is a cardinal fascination for me and for many aerospace engineers who are awe

inspired and galvanized by it. We can move through water without boats and move across
land without cars, but we cant fly without machines. We can walk by taking a single step
and swim by holding our breath, but to fly, we have to outsmart nature. This very thought
inspired me and made me curious about the science of flight which propelled me towards
the profession of aerospace engineering.
I always believed that some people make their lives happen, while others let life happen to
them. I wanted to be of the former kind which led to my inquisitive nature. This driving force
of exploring and learning developed into an interest in science and technology. Realizing the
necessity of a conducive atmosphere to nurture my interests, I toiled hard to secure
admission for an undergraduate program majoring in aerospace engineering at Karunya
University, Coimbatore which is rated as one among the best engineering colleges in South
India.
In my baccalaureate program, I learned the broad aspects of aerospace engineering, which
started with generous portions of maths and physics and then the application of the same in
aerospace specific topics. My undergraduate education has provided me with an
impregnable and comprehensive background in aerospace technology that has kept me
abreast of the latest developments. The curriculum included all the basic courses like
aerodynamics, gas dynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft structures, space dynamics,
advanced propulsion systems, computational fluid dynamics to name a few.
In the third year of my undergraduate program, I was able to acquire a consummate
knowledge about the manufacturing of fighter aircrafts by successfully completing an inplant training at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore. During that time I also
developed a huge interest in advanced propulsion systems. I was enamoured by the
developments in the field of electric spacecraft propulsion, particularly in low cost electric
propulsion systems for cubesats that are able to provide higher specific impulse and
therefore more time to explore the depths of space. I wanted to design and develop a low
cost pulsed plasma thruster but due to the paucity of technological assistance and
infrastructure in India I was unable to do so. Hence I needed to shift dimensions staying
within my domain of space propulsion systems and thought of working on a project of
developing a free jet test rig. The development of a free jet test rig would assist me in
analysing the various degrees of under expanded exhaust nozzle plumes in vacuum and it
would serve me in acquiring adequate knowledge about the vacuum of space. This will help
me enhance my knowledge to pursue my graduate studies in the field of electric spacecraft
propulsion.
Having been enlightened by my professors about the thorough coursework of the MS degree
in Aerospace Systems Engineering (ASE) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the
exposure I will get by meeting the avant-garde of the aerospace fraternity, I was not at all
pendulous in choosing this program for pursuing my graduate studies. I am sure that this
graduate program would leave me well prepared for any postgraduate endeavours, be it
academic or corporate. An advanced degree will not only elevate my career but will also
help me to stay on top of the aerospace industry. It is important to be a lifelong learner to
succeed in the field of aerospace engineering, which is reaching greater heights every day. I
believe that with my capacity for diligence, commendable logic and commitment to achieve

my goals, I will be able to do very well in this program. I avow that I will contrive in utilizing
the resources available at my disposal. Financial assistance will give me an enormous
morale boost in this long pursuit to achieve academic excellence and will also bolster my
financial needs. I am sure that you will share my confidence and give me an opportunity to
continue with my further studies and research endeavours at your prestigious university.