Mishaal Ashemimry

Mishaal Ashemimry developed an early interest in space while observing the stars in the Unayzah desert in Saudi Arabia at the age of six. This experience motivated her to pursue a career in aerospace, specifically focusing on building rockets. She later became the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC. Her career journey began with academic pursuits at the Florida Institute of Technology, where she earned a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Her academic focus included experimental and analytical aerodynamics, rocket design, and nuclear thermal propulsion. During her graduate studies from 2006 to 2007, she was a Graduate Research Assistant for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, where she analyzed and re-designed a grooved-ring reactor concept for nuclear thermal propulsion. This early work set the foundation for her future contributions to space technology.

Following her academic achievements, Ashemimry joined Raytheon Missile Systems’ Aerodynamics Department as a Systems Engineer II from June 2008 to April 2010. In this role, she contributed to 22 different rocket/missile programs, focusing on wind tunnel testing, data analysis, and the development of aerodynamic models for missile performance. In May 2010, at the age of 26, she founded MISHAAL Aerospace, her own company dedicated to designing and building rockets for launching small satellites (500 kg or less) to low Earth orbit. The company successfully completed a static test of its M-SV hybrid rocket propulsion system. While the company’s rocket development is currently on hold, Ashemimry has continued to contribute to the aerospace sector as a consultant and educator. In November 2020, she began consulting for Northrop Grumman Corporation, focusing on space nuclear power and propulsion technologies.

Ashemimry’s career also includes significant roles in advocating for diversity and space exploration. From September 2021 to the present, she has served as a Technical Advisor/Consultant for the Saudi Space Agency, consulting on the development of Saudi Arabia’s National Space Strategy and leading initiatives such as the Human Space Flight Program. In September 2022, she became the Vice President for Diversity Initiatives at the International Astronautical Federation, co-founding the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Administrative (IDEA) Committee. Additionally, she was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami’s Mechanical and Aerospace Department in 2019, teaching courses on Flight Dynamics and Aircraft Design. She is an influential speaker and uses social media to educate and inspire youth in STEM fields.