From a young age, Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba’s fascination with the cosmos set her apart.
Growing up in a family where excellence in aerospace studies was already a legacy, Wanjiku’s path toward becoming a trailblazer in space exploration seemed inevitable.
Her brothers, who were pursuing studies at the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, inspired her to dream big and strive for success in the realm of space science and engineering.
Education
Wanjiku’s academic journey began at St. Christopher Secondary School, where she completed her O-levels in 2013.
Determined to broaden her horizons, she pursued her A-levels at Oshwal Academy Senior High, excelling in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry by 2016.
These years were formative, igniting her drive to understand the universe and positioning her as a promising student in the field of aerospace engineering.
Her exceptional academic performance secured her a coveted spot at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2016, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
This program allowed Wanjiku to delve deeply into subjects such as orbital mechanics, rocket propulsion, and the design of aircraft and space vehicles.
PoSSUM
Wanjiku’s insatiable curiosity and drive led her to enroll in the Advanced PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) Academy in 2018.
This program focuses on the dynamics of the upper atmosphere and engages citizen-scientists in critical research.
Wanjiku’s participation culminated in her becoming the first Kenyan graduate of the scientist-astronaut program, a groundbreaking achievement that marked her as a pioneer in Kenyan space science.
Mastery
Her academic pursuits did not stop with her undergraduate studies.
In 2020, Wanjiku earned her Master of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering from Embry-Riddle, graduating with distinction.
Her advanced studies allowed her to specialize in dynamics and control of aerospace vehicles, equipping her to design and integrate complex systems and technologies for both aircraft and spacecraft.
This expertise positioned her as a key contributor to the aerospace industry, capable of addressing modern challenges with a holistic approach.
Space industry
Wanjiku’s commitment to innovation and excellence laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures.
In February 2021, she co-founded Vicillion, a U.S.-based aerospace and technology company with an ambitious mission: establishing the world’s first equatorial commercial spaceport.
This groundbreaking project seeks to revolutionize space travel by leveraging the advantages of equatorial launches, including increased payload capacity and cost efficiency.
Beyond her role at Vicillion, Wanjiku serves as a Citizen Scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to advanced research and innovation in aerospace science.
She is also the Director, Aerospace Engineer, and Assistant Head of Strategy & Communications at Space Partnerships and Research Company (SPARC), further showcasing her versatility and leadership in the space sector.
Kanjumba’s transition from a starry-eyed student fascinated by the cosmos to a leader in aerospace engineering and commercial space ventures reflects her remarkable resilience and vision.
