Ground Control to Major Nerds

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...

Duration: 01:04:12

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 t...

Duration: 00:02:02

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 t...

Duration: 00:53:30

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...

Duration: 01:18:27

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...

Duration: 00:55:39

In this exciting reaction episode, Parvesh & Sri dive into the Axiom-4 mission, a landmark moment in global space exploration and a proud milestone for India. Centered around the inspiring journey of Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla, this episode breaks down the crew’s launch, docking at the International Space Station (ISS), and the prestigious pinning ceremony—all while reflecting on the emotional, technical, and human aspects of spaceflight.From the G-forces of launch to the weightlessness of zero gravity, the hosts bring personal reactions and real-time commentary on the AX-4 YouTube content, sharing laughs, insights, and genuine wonder.🎯 Key Takeaways:India’s...

Duration: 00:46:36

In Episode 5 of Ground Control to Major Nerds, co-hosts Ashwini, Parvesh, and Sri take you on a wildly entertaining ride through the skies of nostalgia and the stratosphere of innovation. 🚀From the scrappy genius of SWAT Kats to the deep-space adventures of Cowboy Bebop and Gundam, this episode explores how pop culture—anime, cartoons, mythology, video games, and sci-fi films—shaped our fascination with flight, space, and futuristic tech.Ashwini breaks down the tech details of 90s cartoons that featured scramjets and VTOL jets long before they were real. Parvesh shares his anime-fueled visions of transforming machines in orbit, while S...

Duration: 01:03:32

In this episode of Ground Control to Major Nerds, we take a pause to reflect on the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London (June 12), a heartbreaking reminder of why aviation safety must never be taken for granted.From there, we dive deep into the systems, protocols, and engineering philosophies that keep modern aviation safe. We break down the standards behind aircraft design, the role of systems engineering, the science of testing and validation, and how safety influences everything — from redundancies in aircraft to the financial decisions made by airlines and manufacturers.This episode isn’t just...

Duration: 01:19:48

In this special episode of GCMN, we’re covering the Axiom-4 manned crew launch, now set for June 11th. Join us as we break down what this mission means for commercial space travel, international collaboration, and the future of human spaceflight.

🎙️ What we cover:

Who’s on the Axiom-4 crew (👨‍🚀 yes, including Sudhanshu Shukla!)

The mission’s goals and what makes it different

Why this launch is a big deal for private aerospace

Reflections on training, tech, and global partnerships

And more behind-the-scenes insights from our team!

Whether you're an...

Duration: 00:40:02

In this episode, the hosts discuss the journey of becoming an aerospace engineer, sharing personal experiences and insights into the aerospace industry. They cover the importance of passion, education, and practical experience, as well as the diverse paths available within the field. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mentorship and networking, particularly for aspiring engineers, and highlights the evolving nature of the aerospace industry, especially in the context of new technologies like drones.

Takeaways

The launch window for Axiom Aerospace was postponed due to weather conditions.Interest in aerospace should...

Duration: 01:21:37

In this episode of 'Ground Control to Major Nerds', the hosts, Sri, Ashwini, and Parvesh, delve into their passion for aerospace, discussing their backgrounds, the importance of aerospace engineering, and the differences in aerospace ecosystems between India and the US. They explore the significance of curiosity in aerospace, the debate between science and engineering, the role of systems engineering, and the challenges of research and development in the field. The conversation also touches on the need for a robust aerospace ecosystem in India and concludes with a teaser for future discussions.

Takeaways

Aerospace is seen...

Duration: 00:49:54