Charles Sommer

Research Engineer

csommer@caltech.edu

Charles Sommer is a spacecraft systems and embedded software engineer. He contributes to developing on-orbit technology demonstrations at the Space Structures Laboratory. He leads avionics, flight software, and operations for DARPA NOM4D ASTRA (Autonomous in-Space Tensioned Reflector Assembly) and previously for DOLCE (Deployable On-Orbit Ultra-Light Composite Experiment) on SSPD-1 (Space Solar Power Demonstration 1), where he performed six months of on-orbit operations to achieve full structure deployment. Prior experience includes leading engineering efforts for AAReST and developing embedded flight software and bootloaders at NASA JPL for Lunar Flashlight and NEAScout, and at CNES for EyeSat. Charles holds an Advanced Master in Embedded Systems from ISAE-SUPAERO (France) and a Master from ESEO (France).