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From India to the Stars: Aroh Barjatya's NASA Eclipse Mission

A Journey from India to the Stars: Aroh Barjatya's Stellar Contribution to Space Science

In a moment of pride for India, Aroh Barjatya, a distinguished researcher and professor of engineering physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, USA, led NASA's recent mission of launching sounding rockets during the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024. This groundbreaking mission, aimed at studying the Earth's upper atmosphere's reaction to the dimming sunlight, marked a significant milestone not only for NASA but also for the global scientific community.

Background and Early Life

Aroh Barjatya's journey into the realm of space science began in India, where he was born to Ashok Kumar Barjatya, a chemical engineer, and Rajeshwari, a homemaker. With a childhood spent across various Indian cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Pilani, Aroh's passion for engineering and space was evident from an early age. After completing his electronics engineering degree from Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur, Aroh moved to the United States in 2001 to further his studies. He earned a master's degree in electrical engineering from Utah State University, followed by a PhD in spacecraft instrumentation.

The Eclipse Mission: A Leap into the Unknown

The mission, named 'Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP),' was launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. It involved deploying three sounding rockets to observe the effects on Earth's upper atmosphere when sunlight dims during the eclipse visible in North America. This mission was crucial in understanding the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere and could pave the way for future studies on atmospheric sciences.

A Community Effort

Aroh Barjatya's leadership in the project was pivotal. However, he is quick to acknowledge the collaborative effort behind the mission's success. "My deepest gratitude to all my fellow researchers at collaborating institutions and insanely capable and stellar students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as, most crucially, to everyone at NASA Wallops Sounding Rocket Program Office and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for helping accomplish six complex rocket missions in six months!!!" he expressed in a heartfelt post on LinkedIn following the launch.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Inspiration

Aroh Barjatya's journey from the classrooms of India to the forefront of a NASA mission is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. His work not only contributes significantly to our understanding of our atmosphere but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists across the globe, proving that with dedication and teamwork, the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.

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