PhD journey - powering the future of space travel
Sashin Leuke Bandara Karunaratne is a PhD candidate researching groundbreaking electric propulsion at Paihau—Robinson Research Institute.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Sashin’s interest in space began as a child, when he would watch documentaries on space exploration, captivated by the vastness of the universe and the possibilities of space travel.
To pursue study in aerospace engineering, Sashin moved to the United States, completing his undergraduate studies at Mississippi State University and earning his master’s degree from Purdue University in Indiana.
Why aerospace
“Aerospace engineering was just a perfect combination of my interests, space and engineering,” says Sashin. “I’ve always been fascinated by outer space, and engineering gives me the tools to contribute to space exploration.”
After completing six years in the United States., Sashin took a break before continuing his academic journey. He had always dreamed of visiting New Zealand after watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy as a child, so when the time came to choose a destination for his PhD, New Zealand was a natural choice.
Research at Paihau—Robinson Research Institute
Sashin’s research focuses on plasma instabilities in magnetic nozzles, a critical component in electric propulsion systems. Plasma, often referred to as the "fourth state of matter," behaves differently from neutral gases, and understanding its instabilities is essential for improving thrust efficiency in space travel.
Sashin explains, “I study how plasma, an ionised gas, behaves when accelerated through magnetic nozzles, which are similar to chemical nozzles in rockets but use magnetic fields to guide the plasma. The challenge is that instabilities in the plasma can reduce thrust efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the propulsion system.”
Sashin's research could have significant benefits for space exploration, as traditional chemical rockets are not efficient enough for long-term, deep-space missions. Electric propulsion, on the other hand, promises greater efficiency.
“As we look toward travelling deeper into space, improving propulsion systems is essential. My research aims to create better models for engineers to use, helping to mitigate these instabilities,” he adds.
Studying and doing research at the Paihau–Robinson Research Institute has given Sashin the resources, engaging culture, and support to boost his academic achievements.
Sashin is pursuing his PhD with support from a Wellington Doctoral Scholarship. His primary supervisor is Dr. Jakub Glowacki, an aerospace engineer at the Institute. Dr. Tulasi Parashar from the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences also guides him.
Life outside the lab
When he’s not working on plasma models, Sashin enjoys staying active by working out at the gym, playing badminton, and exploring Wellington's vibrant food scene.
“Wellington is such a multicultural city. You can experience cuisines from all over the world just by walking down a single street,” he says. He also appreciates the peacefulness of New Zealand’s natural landscapes, often spending time in the botanical gardens or taking long walks to unwind.
With his expertise in electric propulsion, Sashin is poised to impact the future of space exploration significantly. For now, he’s happy to call Wellington home as he works toward completing his PhD and contributing to the next generation of aerospace technologies.
Future aspirations
After completing his PhD, Sashin plans to undertake postdoctoral research before transitioning into the industry. He envisions a future either in electric propulsion, continuing his current work, or possibly exploring plasma fusion technologies. Robinson Research Institute’s work in plasma fusion, in particular, has caught his interest, and he sees exciting career opportunities in this field.