Ground Control to Major Nerds

Host: Ashwini Agrawal, Parvesh Reddy, Sri Chityala. Produced by: Pallavi Ajay
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Welcome to Ground Control to Major Nerds: The definitive podcast where aerospace engineering meets critical industry analysis. Hosted by industry veterans Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, and Parvesh Reddy, we translate the complex systems, regulatory hurdles, and cutting-edge tech (from AI to Human Spaceflight) into sharp, actionable insights. If you need a deep, technical, and candid discussion on the future of aviation safety, space exploration, and engineering careers, you've reached your destination. Connect With The Nerds Subscribe now to join a community that values clarity, technic

  1. 11/27/2025

    Award-Winning German Astrophotographer Talks Blackholes, Galaxies, Nebula, Gravitational Lens, Satellites & Telescope Camera Gear | JUSTUS FALK

    Get ready to zoom far beyond Earth's orbit with the latest episode of Ground control to major nerds! This week, hosts Sri Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, and Parvesh Reddy sit down with the incredible Justus Falk, an 18-year-old astrophotographer from northern Germany who is taking the social media world by storm with his breathtaking images of the cosmos.Justus, who boasts a massive following of 30,000+ on Instagram and 80,000+ on TikTok , shares his inspiring journey that started, surprisingly, with his grandfather's binoculars and a chance sighting of the International Space Station (ISS). What followed was an astronomical passion that led him to capturing one of the brightest comets of the decade, Comet Neowise, in 2020.🌌 Inside the Mind of a Deep Space PhotographerIn this episode, we dive deep into the technical, personal, and DIY aspects of capturing the universe:The 46-Hour Photo Shoot: Hear the mind-blowing story behind his incredible image of the NGC 6888 Wolf-Rayet emission nebulae, an image that required a staggering 46 hours of long exposure time to collect enough photons from millions of light years away.Building His Own Dome: Justus, a true "major nerd," talks about the incredible challenge of building his permanent NEXT Dome observatory right in his own backyard, complete with a motorized rotating dome and a concrete foundation poured by his next-door farmer neighbor.The Equipment Breakdown: What does it take to get those crystal-clear deep-space shots? Justus walks us through his 8-inch Newtonian telescope setup , the crucial differences between planetary and deep-sky cameras, and even shows off his primary deep-sky camera, which costs approximately 1500 euros.Chasing Meteors and Auroras: How do you photograph an unpredictable event like a meteor shower (like the Perseids) or the stunning Northern Lights? Justus reveals his spontaneous process for choosing what to shoot, whether it's Jupiter, a nebula, or an aurora.Astrophotography for Beginners: Planning to buy your first telescope? DON'T buy the expensive setup first! Justus gives his top advice, recommending a Dobsonian telescope (a reflector that costs around 300 to 500 euros) for newcomers to learn the basics before dropping serious cash.The Future of Astronomy: Learn about Justus's ambitious plans to attend university in Munich to study Physics, aiming to eventually use the 2-meter Wendelstein telescope and understand the cosmos mathematically.This is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in astronomy, aerospace, DIY electronics, and the stunning beauty of the night sky!Find Justus Falk Online!Instagram: @jf.astronomy TikTok: jf.astrophotographyWebsite: https://jf-astronomy.de/Connect with the Nerds!Ground control to major nerds is hosted by:Sri ChityalaAshwini AgrawalParvesh ReddyThe Team: Produced, edited, and social media managed by the phenomenal Pallavi (Lavi) Ajay.If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the like button, subscribe to our channel, and leave a comment below!#Astrophotography #JustusFalk #Astrophotographer #DeepSpace #SpacePhotography #GroundControlToMajorNerds #Podcast #Astronomy #Telescope #DIYObservatory #NewtonianTelescope #DobsonianTelescope #DeepSkyCamera #LongExposure #Nebula #Galaxy #CometNeowise #NorthernLights #Aurora #ISS #AerospaceEngineer #Astrophysics #SpaceTech #SciencePodcast #DIYTech #GermanAstrophotography #NextDome #Cosmos #SpaceExploration #SpaceNerd #Science

    1h 3m

  2. 11/27/2025

    Mechanic to CEO | Starting a Part 145 Shop, Engine Repair | MRO Insider Secrets: CEO Chris Jauregui

    Connect with Chris Jauregui, CEO, ATS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christhian-jauregui-88749861/Connect with Joseln Jauregui, HR Head, ATS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseln-jauregui-a42550138/https://advturbine.comMRO Insider Secrets: CEO Chris Jauregui on Starting a Part 145 Shop, Engine Repair, and the Future of Aviation Mechanics | Ground Control to Major Nerds S2E2Welcome back, Major Nerds! In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with Chris Jauregui, the Founder and CEO of Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS), an FAA-approved Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility based in South Florida.Chris shares the raw, uncensored story of how he went from being a mechanic and inspector to opening his own FAA Part 145 repair station in 2020—a crucial time when the aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges.This episode is a must-watch for aspiring aerospace entrepreneurs, A&P mechanics, engineers, and students who want to understand the real-world operational side of turbine engine maintenance and what it truly takes to succeed in this industry.In this episode, you will learn:The MRO Origin Story: Chris details the motivation and sheer tenacity required to launch an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) shop and get FAA Part 145 certified.Engine Capabilities: A deep dive into the turbine engines ATS supports, including the CFM56 (5B, 7B, -3), CF6, PW4000s, and Trent RB211s, along with their APU and new accessory ratings.Critical Career Advice: Why "getting dirty" and having hands-on experience on the shop floor is non-negotiable for new engineers and mechanics—and why relying solely on a computer or theory will hold you back.The Lost Art of the Basics: The surprising decline in fundamental skills like reading manuals, understanding schematics, and proper torquing—and how this impacts safety and efficiency.Business Under Pressure: How ATS leveraged the unique environment of the COVID-19 pandemic to grow their business from a small facility to securing major airline and leasing company customers.The Next Big Goal: Chris’s mission to reignite the industry's passion and bring the next generation of enthusiastic young professionals into the MRO world.🚨 Time Stamps to Key Moments:01:44: Introducing Chris Jauregui, CEO of Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) 04:14: The Most Important Advice for Aerospace Engineers and Mechanics08:41: The Dangerous Skills Being Lost in the New Generation10:43: MRO 101: What is a Part 145 Repair Station? 15:10: The Untold Story of Starting an MRO in 202018:46: How to Use a Crisis (Like COVID) to Launch an Aviation Business57:34: Chris’s Vision for the Future MRO Workforce#MRO #Part145 #FAA #Aerospace #AviationMechanic #AviationMaintenance #TurbineEngine #CFM56 #CF6 #PW4000 #AdvancedTurbineSystems #ChrisJauregui #CEOInterview #Entrepreneurship #AerospaceEngineering #AviationCareer #A&PMechanic #GroundControlToMajorNerds #EngineOverhaul #EngineRepair #SouthFloridaMRO #AviationStudent #JetEngine #AerospaceIndustry

    1h 1m

  3. 10/31/2025

    Ivy League, H1B struggle, Drone Career, Start-Up Founder | Shloka Hajare | From Mumbai to New York

    In this compelling episode, aerospace engineer and entrepreneur Shloka Hajare shares her courageous journey from the security of a monthly salary to taking the leap into entrepreneurship.She recounts the genesis of her drone startup in India, detailing how working in an MSME startup exposed her to multifaceted roles, from manufacturing and design to recruitment. This professional evolution culminated in a "full circle" moment when she returned to her alma mater, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (where she earned her B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering), not as a student, but as a recruiter. This experience, which followed her work on projects like unconventional UAV design (implied by her resume and background), fueled her entrepreneurial drive and led her to identify a major market gap—the widespread lack of accessible, hands-on drone workshops and regulation awareness—which became her viable revenue stream.The conversation then pivots to her ambitious decision to pursue a Master's degree in the U.S. for better startup mentorship, applying only to top schools like Stanford, Cornell, Duke, and Columbia. She discusses why the Master's in Engineering Management (M.Eng) at Cornell was the perfect fit, helping her develop the management skills necessary to run a company. The hosts, including Srikant Chityala, debate the value of this hybrid curriculum over traditional engineering paths, with Shloka emphasizing that it instilled a "problem-first" mindset and the confidence to pitch her ideas. Ashwini supports this, highlighting that hybrid courses lead to holistic development that incorporates economics, ethics, and user experience.Finally, Shloka and the hosts tackle the tough realities for international professionals. They debate the future of aerospace careers in the US versus India, with Ashwini citing India’s highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) globally and the government's Make in India push. Shloka articulates her rationale for seeking opportunities in the U.S.—specifically to learn about the manufacturing culture and operational processes to bring back to India—and shares her current strategy of actively creating her own opportunities through ventures like an AI browser startup and the Delta presidency program amidst the uncertainty of the H-1B process.Join hosts Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, and Parvesh Reddy for this insightful look into the mindset of a determined, modern aerospace founder.Production & Social Media: Pallavi Ajay Edited by: Pallavi Ajay#Entrepreneurship#StartupJourney#DroneTech#Aerospace#FemaleFounder#EngineeringManagement#CornellUniversity#MEng#HybridCareer#SiliconValley#MakeInIndia#H1B#CareerTransition#CareerAdvice#WomaninEngineering#SRMAlumni#india #unitedstates #mastersinusa

    1h 4m

  4. 10/23/2025

    Fueling the Future – Decarbonizing the Skies: A Deep Dive into Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace

    Welcome to a packed episode of Ground Control to Major Nerds! Hosts Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Kumar Agrawal, and Parvesh Reddy Bommi Narasimha reunite for a full house discussion on one of the most pressing topics in aerospace: Sustainability in Aviation.In this deep-dive episode, the hosts explore the multi-faceted challenge of decarbonizing the aviation sector. While celebrating Diwali and catching up on their recent travels, the conversation quickly takes flight into the world of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), alternative propulsion methods, and the critical debate over energy density versus environmental impact.The episode kicks off with a clear definition of sustainability and the urgency of adopting long-term, environmentally conscious practices, especially given the visible effects of climate change. Although global aviation emissions currently account for a small percentage (2-3%), the industry is recognized as one of the "hardest sectors to decarbonize."Parvesh, the propulsion expert, details various avenues for low-emission propulsion, including biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and synthetic alternatives like those produced by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The discussion highlights the technical hurdles, such as the high energy required for carbon capture and the challenge of maintaining competitive energy density compared to traditional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).Ashwini brings in the economic and policy perspectives, addressing the financial dilemma faced by operators—justifying a shift from highly efficient, high-octane fuels to greener but potentially less energy-dense options. He introduces the concept of fuel blending targets, specifically referencing India's aims to integrate 1% SAF by 2027, and discusses international standards like the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification). Ashwini argues that dependence on a single fuel source (ATF) makes the industry vulnerable to commodity price monopoly, providing a strong financial incentive for private entities like Boeing and Airbus to invest in alternatives.Srikant broadens the conversation beyond fuel, stressing that aerodynamic design and weight reduction are critical, often overlooked, levers for increasing operational efficiency and reducing fuel burn. He advocates for transitioning innovative design philosophies, currently seen in the business jet segment, into commercial aerospace to make flights more fuel-efficient over distance.The hosts delve into the experimental and future-forward concepts of electrification and hydrogen-powered aircraft, citing examples like the Airbus Zero E concept and the Rolls Royce Spirit of Innovation. The consensus is that while the technology and ideas exist, the massive undertaking of overhauling the global airport infrastructure—currently monopolized for ATF usage—remains the single biggest barrier to mass adoption of alternative fuels. The episode concludes by recognizing that achieving sustainable aviation requires not just scientific breakthroughs but also a fundamental shift in the industry's cost-performance-planet priority structure.Produced, Edited, and Social Media Managed by Pallavi Ajay#SustainableAviation#SAF#DecarbonizeTheSkies#AerospaceEngineering#AviationFuture#Biofuels#HydrogenPower#AviationSustainability#ClimateAction#GroundControlToMajorNerds#TechPodcast#FutureofFlight#NetZero#AviationNews#EngineeringTalks

    1h 4m

  5. SEASON 1, EPISODE 9 TRAILER

    Trailer- Delta Jets LaGuardia NYC Airport Crash | ATC Overload Crisis

    Runway safety is failing! 🚨 In this critical episode, we dive deep into the real-world problem causing near-misses and ground collisions: the pilot's lack of real-time surface situational awareness.Sri and Ashwini analyze the current state of Airport Surface Detection and explore revolutionary solutions that are being developed by industry giants like Collins and Honeywell.We discuss:Why fully automated tugboats are unlikely due to certification and redundancy challenges.The game-changing role of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDS/iPads) and TPADS in giving pilots live data.The future of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) for ground operations—will augmented reality guide aircraft on the taxiway?The critical debate: Is modern flight deck technology creating a sensory overload for pilots, or is it an essential tool for Runway Incursion Mitigation?How AI and Machine Learning are being used to process complex ATC data and solve the "system overload" problem.This is a must-listen for future aerospace engineers, pilots, and air traffic control professionals interested in the modernization of air traffic systems and ground operations safety. Drop your thoughts on pilot HUDs in the comments!#AviationSafety #RunwayIncursion #AirTrafficControl #GroundOperations #AvGeek #AerospaceEngineering #PilotLife #FutureOfFlight #CockpitTech #ATCSafety #aircraftHosts: Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, Parvesh ReddyProducer, Editor and Social Media Manager: Pallavi Ajay

    2 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    Delta Jets LaGuardia NYC Airport Crash | ATC Overload Crisis

    Runway safety is failing! 🚨 In this critical episode, we dive deep into the real-world problem causing near-misses and ground collisions: the pilot's lack of real-time surface situational awareness.Sri and Ashwini analyze the current state of Airport Surface Detection and explore revolutionary solutions that are being developed by industry giants like Collins and Honeywell.We discuss:Why fully automated tugboats are unlikely due to certification and redundancy challenges.The game-changing role of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDS/iPads) and TPADS in giving pilots live data.The future of Heads-Up Displays (HUDs) for ground operations—will augmented reality guide aircraft on the taxiway?The critical debate: Is modern flight deck technology creating a sensory overload for pilots, or is it an essential tool for Runway Incursion Mitigation?How AI and Machine Learning are being used to process complex ATC data and solve the "system overload" problem.This is a must-listen for future aerospace engineers, pilots, and air traffic control professionals interested in the modernization of air traffic systems and ground operations safety. Drop your thoughts on pilot HUDs in the comments!#AviationSafety #RunwayIncursion #AirTrafficControl #GroundOperations #AvGeek #AerospaceEngineering #PilotLife #FutureOfFlight #CockpitTech #ATCSafety #aircraftHosts: Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, Parvesh ReddyProducer, Editor and Social Media Manager: Pallavi Ajay

    54 min

  7. 09/09/2025

    Is Profitability Crushing Aviation Safety?: Why 2025 Is Aviation's Wake-Up Call

    In this episode, we take a deep and critical look at the current state of aviation safety, a topic that has surged into public consciousness following an alarming trend in 2024. Data indicates a significant increase in both reported aviation incidents and fatalities this year compared to previous years, raising urgent questions about the systems designed to keep air travel safe.Our discussion begins by framing this worrying trend. We explore the multifaceted factors contributing to this rise, moving beyond simple explanations to understand a complex web of causes. We examine how increasingly severe and unpredictable weather patterns are posing greater challenges to flight operations. Furthermore, we scrutinize how business decisions and financial pressures within airlines can, at times, inadvertently compromise safety protocols and operational rigor, highlighting the eternal tension between profitability and unwavering safety.A significant portion of our conversation is dedicated to the crucial role of regulatory oversight, questioning whether compliance is always followed as diligently as required and if the oversight mechanisms themselves are robust enough for modern challenges.The episode then pivots to a critical case study: the recent incident involving Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick in July. We conduct a thorough analysis of the recently released preliminary report into this event. Our hosts don't just present the facts; they offer a critical examination of the report's findings and its methodology. The discussion highlights how such preliminary documents, intended to provide clarity, can sometimes create more confusion and raise further questions rather than providing definitive answers. We break down the implications of the report's details for Air India and for the wider aviation ecosystem in India.This analysis serves as a springboard to a larger, vital conversation about safety culture. We emphatically argue that true safety is not just about checking boxes on a regulatory list; it is a fundamental mindset that must be embedded at every level of an organization, from the boardroom to the cockpit to the maintenance hangar.We conclude with a powerful reflection on the industry's path forward. Transparency in investigations is presented as non-negotiable for restoring public trust. The episode underscores the collective responsibility of the entire aviation industry to learn from past incidents, prioritize a safety-first culture above all else, and implement changes that prevent future tragedies. Ultimately, we affirm that while building safe aircraft is a technological marvel, building and maintaining unshakable public trust is an equally critical achievement for the future of flight.TakeawaysThis year has seen a significant increase in aviation incidents.Weather conditions are worsening and impacting aviation safety.Business decisions often prioritize profitability over safety.Regulatory compliance is crucial but may not always be followed.The Air India incident serves as a critical case study in aviation safety.Preliminary reports can create confusion rather than clarity.A safety-first culture is essential in the aviation industry.Transparency in investigations is necessary to restore public trust.The aviation industry must learn from past incidents to improve safety.Building trust is as important as building safe aircraft.Sound Bites"This year has been a bit more eventful.""There is a huge scope to avoid these incidents.""Safety is not a checklist, it is a mindset."

    1h 18m
  8. Drone Whisperers: A Peek Inside the Ground Control Room | Episode 7 #groundcontroltomajornerds

    07/08/2025

    Drone Whisperers: A Peek Inside the Ground Control Room | Episode 7 #groundcontroltomajornerds

    Ever wondered who's keeping those drones safe in the sky? It's not just the pilot! Meet the ground control operators, the unsung heroes who ensure smooth and efficient drone operations. Discover the hidden world of technical expertise and constant vigilance behind every successful drone flight.The Crucial Role of Ground Control- Understanding the Basics: Explaining the fundamental principles of drone operation and the communication systems used between drones and operators.- Beyond the Controls: Illustrating the technical expertise required by ground control operators, including navigation, flight planning, and obstacle avoidance.- Safety First: Discussing the critical protocols and procedures that ground control operators adhere to ensure the safe operation of drones.SummaryIn this episode, co-host and drone systems expert Ashwini leads an in-depth exploration of Ground Control Stations (GCS)—the true brains behind modern drone operations. From GCS architecture and mission-specific design to real-time data processing and cybersecurity challenges, we decode what it really takes to control drones from the ground. The discussion also looks ahead to the future of GCS: think AI-driven automation, cloud-connected controls, and immersive VR/AR interfaces. Whether you're an aviation nerd or a tech enthusiast, this episode connects the dots between unmanned systems, innovation, and the evolving regulatory landscape.TakeawaysGround control stations are essential for controlling unmanned aerial systems.GCS can vary in size and complexity based on the mission requirements.Regulations for UAS are still evolving and vary by region.Cybersecurity is a critical concern for ground control systems.The future of GCS may involve more automation and AI integration.Geofencing helps prevent drones from entering restricted areas.Real-time data processing is crucial for effective drone operations.The design of GCS must prioritize user interface and experience.Drones can be controlled from remote locations using cloud technology.Future GCS may incorporate VR and AR for enhanced situational awareness.Chapters000:00 – Intro: Why Ground Control Systems Matter05:55 – What Exactly Is a GCS? Breaking It Down13:04 – How Drones Communicate with the Ground18:42 – Designing GCS: Size, Complexity & Use Cases26:31 – Safety Protocols in Drone Operations28:35 – The Evolving Landscape of UAS Regulations32:33 – Rogue Drones: Detection & Defense Strategies34:35 – Geofencing: Digital Boundaries for Physical Drones38:27 – Cybersecurity: The Silent Threat in GCS42:31 – The Future: AI, Cloud, and Immersive GCS Interfaces

    56 min
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Welcome to Ground Control to Major Nerds: The definitive podcast where aerospace engineering meets critical industry analysis. Hosted by industry veterans Srikant Chityala, Ashwini Agrawal, and Parvesh Reddy, we translate the complex systems, regulatory hurdles, and cutting-edge tech (from AI to Human Spaceflight) into sharp, actionable insights. If you need a deep, technical, and candid discussion on the future of aviation safety, space exploration, and engineering careers, you've reached your destination. Connect With The Nerds Subscribe now to join a community that values clarity, technic

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  • Creator
    Host: Ashwini Agrawal, Parvesh Reddy, Sri Chityala. Produced by: Pallavi Ajay
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Host: Ashwini Agrawal, Parvesh Reddy, Sri Chityala. Produced by: Pallavi Ajay
  • Show Website
    Ground Control to Major Nerds