Meet the Team – Mukit Mahdin!

Meet Mukit, the member of JoinThe.Space International Team from Bangladesh. He is improving his skill in area of Software Engineering, which is relatively recent addition to the academic landscape in Bangladesh. He studies at IUT and is a member of the Project Altair team.

Mukit took part in European Rover Challenge 2022 in Poland and he thinks that it’s a journey filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and a chance to showcase our skills on an international stage.

The concept of JoinThe.Space – International Team immediately resonated with Mukit, as he had thought of the idea of such communities a few years ago.

Please check more about Mukit below.

1. What do you study and why did you decide to choose this field of study?

I’m currently continuing my studies in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at IUT, with a major in Software Engineering. I had the chance of deciding among various disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, in different top universities across Bangladesh.

However, when it came time to make a decision about my major, I found myself gravitating towards Software Engineering. There’s something about this field that has always resonated with me. Perhaps it’s the limitless possibilities it offers, the ever-evolving nature of technology, or simply my personal fascination with creating solutions through code.

It’s worth mentioning that Software Engineering is a relatively recent addition to the academic landscape in Bangladesh, and that intrigued me even more. I saw it as an opportunity to be part of something new and dynamic, to help shape the future of technology in my country, and to utilize the immense potential this field holds.

2. What are your studies like, and do you have the opportunity to work on space projects?
My studies in Software Engineering cover a wide range of software development topics, from programming to project management. While my academic program doesn’t specifically focus on space projects, the skills I’m acquiring can be applied to various industries, including space exploration. The opportunity to work on space projects would depend on my specific interests, extracurricular activities, and potential collaborations with space-related organizations or research institutions.

3. You currently reside in Bangladesh but have been to Europe, including participating in the ERC competition. How do you treat space competitions for young talented individuals?

Participating in the European Rover Challenge 2022 was an incredible experience for me and our team at Project Altair (Previously IUT Mars Rover – Team Avijatrik). It was a journey filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and a chance to showcase our skills on an international stage.
Being able to represent our university and our country in such a prestigious event was a source of immense pride. It was a testament to our dedication and hard work as a team.

Competitions like the European Rover Challenge are vital for young talents interested in space and robotics. They allow us to put our theoretical knowledge into practice, work on cutting-edge technology, and develop a wide range of skills crucial for our future careers.

Our trip to Poland was not just about competition but also about connecting with like-minded individuals and experts in the field. The networking opportunities and mentorships we gained were invaluable and have opened doors for potential collaborations and career prospects.

4. How did your journey with JoinThe.Space begin? Do you believe that making a global hub for young people with the passion for the space industry can be useful?

My journey with JoinThe.Space began quite unexpectedly. One evening, as I was casually scrolling through LinkedIn feeling a bit tired, I noticed a message from member of JoinThe.Space. He expressed his interest in meeting with me and his team to discuss about Project Altair, the space robotics team I’m a part of. I seized this opportunity instantly, eager to talk about my team and my country’s inspiring journey in the realm of space exploration and robotics.

During our meeting, I got introduced to JoinThe.Space and learned about their vision of connecting like-minded individuals who are passionate about the space industry. This concept immediately resonated with me, as I had thought of the idea of such communities a few years ago. Without hesitation, I expressed my keen interest in being part of their international team, representing my country. I was delighted when they welcomed me into their team.
Regarding whether creating a worldwide gathering place for young folks who love space is helpful, I strongly think it’s a great idea. This hub would give a space for people from different backgrounds and countries to meet, share thoughts, work together on various goals and learn from each other. The space field is itself global and covers lots of different areas, and a worldwide hub like JoinThe.Space can help new ideas, sharing knowledge, and making future leaders in space areas. It’s a fantastic plan that can speed up progress in space exploration and technology.

5. What are the job prospects like in the space industry in Bangladesh, in your opinion?
Job opportunities in Bangladesh’s space industry are looking promising. While Bangladesh is relatively new to space exploration compared to some other countries, it’s making progress. The government has put money into projects like the Bangabandhu-1 satellite, and they’ve started programs to teach people about space. Bangladesh is also teaming up with countries like the United States and Russia to work on space projects. As the global space industry keeps growing, Bangladesh is getting ready to join the journey.
In addition, there are chances to work in private companies in Bangladesh that are getting into things like satellite services and space tourism. There’s also a need for intensive research and development in satellite technology and space science.But I think Bangladesh is not becoming a place with more jobs in this exciting field sooner.

6. Where would you like to work in the near future? What brings you the most joy?
In the near future, I’d like to work with new technologies like Blockchain and Large Language Models (LLMs). I’ve already started my journey with Blockchain, and I’m currently working on a research paper called “DefTax,” which is about using Blockchain to prevent tax evasion. I find these new technologies really interesting, and I believe they can change the way we do things in many industries.

But what makes me really happy is organizing and managing stuff. I’ve enjoyed doing it since I was a kid. Whether it’s running community events or organizing things at my university, I love bringing different pieces together to achieve a goal. So, I want to keep going down that path and become a Software Engineering Manager someday. I think there’s a need for innovative leaders in the software and IT industry in Bangladesh, and I want to help fill that gap. My aim is to use my passion for technology and management to make a positive impact and bring more innovation to the industry.

7. What do you foresee for the future of space exploration?

The future of space exploration is incredibly promising, filled with exciting possibilities. The space industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing commercial involvement, making space more accessible and affordable. Ventures like SpaceX and Blue Origin are pushing the boundaries of space travel, and we may soon witness the realization of long-held dreams, such as sending humans to Mars. The concept of space tourism is also taking shape, promising to make space a new frontier for travelers. Moreover, international collaboration will continue to be a cornerstone of space exploration, as countries team up for scientific research, resource utilization, and joint missions to explore the cosmos.
Advancements in space technology, including improved propulsion systems, advanced robotics, and artificial intelligence, will drive innovation in space missions, enabling us to tackle more complex and ambitious projects. Sustainability and resource utilization will be paramount, with missions seeking valuable resources beyond Earth, such as water on the Moon and asteroids. Additionally, our quest for planetary science and astrobiology will lead to missions aimed at discovering life beyond our planet and gaining deeper insights into our solar system’s mysteries. The future of space exploration is indeed a chapter of human history filled with hope, curiosity, and a thirst for discovery.

8. What are your interests outside of technical areas?

Outside of technical stuff, I really enjoy watching YouTube videos about fascinating facts around the world. It’s something I like more than anything else. I also love meeting people who have different life experiences and perspectives. It’s interesting to learn from them.
Another thing I enjoy is spending time with elderly people. I like hearing about their life experiences. In fact, I have this idea in my head to start a podcast called “Adda with Dada.” It’s like having a chitchat with grandfathers.
I also have a thing for vintage movies; they really captivate me. And when it comes to hobbies, talking about cars is something I absolutely enjoy.