In a world where women continue to shatter glass ceilings and excel in fields traditionally dominated by men, one name stands out as a beacon of inspiration: Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Wanjiku’s journey in the aerospace industry has been nothing short of extraordinary, making her a trailblazer for Kenyan women in the world of science and technology.
A Cosmic Curiosity Ignites
From an early age, Wanjiku displayed an insatiable curiosity about the cosmos, planets, and the solar system. This fascination with space and passion for understanding how the universe worked was also inspired by her elder brothers who were pursuing studies at the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the USA. Determined to excel and follow in the footsteps of her accomplished brothers, Wanjiku displayed exceptional determination during her high school years.
In 2013, Wanjiku completed her O-levels from St. Christopher Secondary School. Determined to soar even higher, she continued her education at Oshwal Academy Senior High, where she completed her A-levels in 2016. Her exceptional grades in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry opened the door to an exciting future in aerospace engineering. These formative years set the stage for her remarkable academic and professional achievements.
O-levels to Aerospace Excellence
Armed with her passion for space exploration and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Wanjiku’s dream of following in her brothers’ footsteps began materializing when she secured a coveted place at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2016, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering. Her coursework encompassed a wide range of subjects, including orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, aeronautics, and airplane and space vehicle design. Wanjiku also pursued a minor degree in Space Studies. This minor delved into operations, safety training, and planning elements of commercial and private space operations. It encompassed the human factors of space flight and risk assessment in space operations.
Aside from her studies as Embry-Riddle, Wanjiku continued her quest for knowledge by enrolling into the Advanced PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) Academy, a citizen-scientist organization dedicated to better understanding the dynamics of the upper-atmosphere. In 2018, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Kenyan scientist-astronaut program graduate from this Academy.
In 2020, Wanjiku proudly earned her Master of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering from Embry-Riddle with distinction. Her expertise expanded to include dynamics and the control of aerospace vehicles. This comprehensive education equipped her to approach the aerospace industry holistically, integrating subsystems and technologies into optimal vehicle designs that met mission requirements.
Mastering Aerospace and Venturing into Commercial Space Ventures
Wanjiku’s journey through academia was just the beginning of her remarkable career in aerospace engineering and technology. Her dedication to space exploration and innovation propelled her to even greater heights as she ventured into the world of commercial space ventures.
In February 2021, Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba co-founded Vicillion, a forward-thinking US-based company dedicated to revolutionizing the aerospace and technology landscape. Vicillion’s mission is nothing short of ambitious: pioneering the world’s first equatorial commercial spaceport. This endeavor seeks to redefine the space industry, pushing boundaries and opening new frontiers in the world of space exploration. Wanjiku also wears several other hats, including her role as a Citizen Scientist at the European Space Agency as well as Director, Aerospace Engineer, and Assistant Head of Strategy & Communications at Space Partnerships and Research Company (SPARC).
Inspiring the Future of Space Exploration
Wanjiku’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for aerospace engineering and technology. Her story serves as an inspiration to young science and space enthusiasts, not only in Kenya but across Africa and beyond. As she continues to make strides in her field, Wanjiku Kanjumba reminds us all that with determination, resilience, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, we can reach for the stars and leave an indelible mark on the world.
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