About

Download Resume / Full CV (Updated Mar. 01, 2024)

I am a systems engineer devoted to the advancement of future engineering systems.

Note My first name, Heekun (희건) is pronounced as if “He’s gone,” yet without ‘s. HE-GONE

I am a PhD candidate at the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. My research lies at the intersection of systems theory and space systems. I am currently advised by Professor Olivier L. de Weck, and also with Prof. Edward F. Crawley and Prof. Johannes J. Norheim.

Previously, I was an associate GNC systems engineer at Satrec Initiative, Co., Ltd. At Satrec Initiative, I propelled the development of the Attitude Determination and Control System for Satrec Initiative’s Earth-Observing satellite systems, as well as holistic mission capability analysis evaluating overall system design. I developed the Flight Control Software for several EO satellites, including the 25cm Very High-Resolution (VVHR) commercial EO satellite SpaceEye-T, which has been in orbit since March 2025.

I earned my master’s degree from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Spring 2019, under the advisement of Professor Min-Jea Tahk. Prior to this, I received a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and Electrical Engineering, graduating Summa Cum Laude in Spring 2017. Throughout my studies, I was honored to be a KAIST Presidential Fellow.