Wikipedia

Loay Elbasyouni

Loay Elbasyouni is a Palestinian–American electrical engineer.[1] He helped design the Mars rover Perseverance and was an electrical and power electronics lead in the team that built the Ingenuity helicopter.[2][3][4][5]

Loay Elbasyouni
لؤي البسيوني
Born
Loay Elbasyouni

Germany
NationalityPalestinian, American
EducationMaster of Engineering in Electrical engineering, University of Louisville 2005 Bachelor of science in Electrical & Computer engineering, University of Louisville 2004
Alma materUniversity of Kentucky, University of Louisville
Occupation(s)Electrical engineer, entrepreneur
Years active2005–Present
Employer(s)NASA, General Electric, Blue Origin
Notable workMars 2020, Ingenuity, Azure Transit Connect Electric, Blue_Moon_(spacecraft)
Parents
  • Dr. Mohammed El-Basyouni (father)
  • Alya El-Basyouni (mother)
AwardsNASA Achievement Award: For his exceptional contribution to the Mars helicopter team, demonstrating the feasibility of helicopter flight in Mars’ thin atmosphere.

Robert J. Collier Trophy: Awarded by The National Aeronautic Association to the NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter team, recognizing their pioneering achievements. Howard Hughes Award: Recognizes exceptional advancements in vertical flight technology, awarded to the Ingenuity team for their successful flights on Mars. Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy: Honoring groundbreaking space achievements, particularly for the Ingenuity helicopter’s extended mission on Mars.

Michael Collins Trophy: Presented by The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for Current Achievement to the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Team.
Websiteloay.us

Early life

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Elbasyouni was born in Germany while his father was studying medicine in that country.[6] He moved to Beit Hanoun[3][7] in Gaza when he was five years old. He lived through the First Intifada, a period in which the academic year was shortened to as few as eighty days.[8] He attended UNRWA schools during his primary and secondary education.[1] In 1998, he moved to the United States at the age of twenty to continue higher education.[9] He received a master's degree in Electrical engineering from the University of Louisville in 2005.[2][10] While stargazing from Gaza’s beaches, Elbasyouni dreamed of reaching for the cosmos. "I actually wanted to fly the space shuttle, I just loved anything fast."[5]

Career

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In 2012, Elbasyouni began working for a company developing an electric aircraft. In 2014, the company became a contractor for NASA, and Elbasyouni became an electric and power electronics lead for the Mars helicopter team.[3] As of 2023, he works for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.[3][4] He has been a member of the team that sent the Perseverance to Mars in March 2020 and a chief engineer for the design team of the Ingenuity robotic helicopter.[2][11][12]

Elbasyouni holds the position of senior manager of electric engine design at Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. In this role, he is engaged in a wide range of projects, including the development of Blue Moon, a lunar lander designed to transport payloads to the surface of the Moon, and New Glenn, a heavy-lift launch vehicle currently undergoing development. He is involved in rocket engines, managing a large team and overseeing the development of avionics—the control module that governs the engine's functions.[13] Elbasyouni works with a team that search for water on the moon[14]

Engineering a Sustainable Future

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Loay Elbasyouni's work extends beyond the marvels of space exploration to encompass a broader vision for Earth and humanity. His dedication to environmental sustainability and his belief in the power of renewable energy sources reflect a deep concern for our planet's future.[15]

Elbasyouni's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advocating for alternative energy solutions is driven by a desire to address some of the root causes of global conflicts, such as those over oil resources⁴.[16] By focusing on technologies that improve the world and lessen our dependence on non-renewable energy, he contributes to a vision of a more peaceful and sustainable future⁴.[16]

His journey from Gaza to NASA is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for many around the world. It shows that with determination and passion, one can rise above challenging circumstances and contribute to the greater good of humanity². Elbasyouni's story encourages young people, especially those in difficult situations, to dream big and work towards a better world for all.[15]

In essence, Loay Elbasyouni's advocacy for peace and his contributions to space technology are intertwined with his concern for Earth and its inhabitants. His life's work serves as a reminder that our endeavors in space can have profound implications for improving life on Earth, fostering global cooperation, and nurturing the human spirit[15]

Awards

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Loay Elbasyouni has been recognized with several prestigious awards for his contributions to aerospace technology, particularly for his work on NASA’s Mars helicopter team. Here’s a summary of his notable awards:[4][9]

  • NASA Achievement Award (Sep 2018): For his exceptional contribution to the Mars helicopter team, demonstrating the feasibility of helicopter flight in Mars’ thin atmosphere.
  • Robert J. Collier Trophy (Jun 2022): Bestowed by The National Aeronautic Association on the team behind NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, recognizing their pioneering achievements.
  • Howard Hughes Award (May 2022): Recognizes exceptional advancements in vertical flight technology, awarded to the Ingenuity team for their successful flights on Mars.
  • Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy: Awarded to the Ingenuity team for groundbreaking space achievements, particularly for the helicopter’s extended mission on Mars.
  • Michael Collins Trophy: Presented by The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for Current Achievement to the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter Team.

These awards highlight Elbasyouni’s significant impact on the field of aerospace engineering and his role in advancing the exploration of Mars.

here are additional awards and recognitions that Loay Elbasyouni has received:[17]

  • UN Secretary-General’s Remarks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged Elbasyouni’s journey from UNRWA schools to NASA, highlighting his story as an example of the opportunities created and lives changed through dedication and education[9].[18]
  • UNRWA Commissioner-General’s Praise: Phillipe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, commended Elbasyouni for his mix of brilliance and bravery, noting his inspirational journey from Gaza to NASA and the impact it has on young refugees and the next generation of scientists[9][17]

Inspirational Journey and Legacy

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Loay Elbasyouni’s story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in Gaza and attending UNRWA schools, he overcame numerous challenges to pursue his passion for engineering and space exploration. His journey from Gaza to NASA serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for thousands of young people, especially refugees who aspire to reach for the stars.[9]

His achievements have been recognized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNRWA Commissioner-General Phillipe Lazzarini, who have both praised his brilliance and bravery. Elbasyouni’s success is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the potential that lies within every individual, regardless of their background.[9]

Personal life

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Elbasyouni lives in Los Angeles, California. He has not returned to Palestine since 2000 due to instability in the region.[1][8][9][19][20] Loay Elbasyouni, a Palestinian-American engineer known for his work on NASA's Mars helicopter, faced a harrowing ordeal when his elderly parents were trapped in Gaza during the recent conflict. Mohammed and Alya Elbasyouni, who had been visiting Gaza, were caught in the escalating violence and unable to leave due to their health and mobility issues.[21][5][22][23]

As the situation in Gaza worsened, Loay, from his home in Los Angeles, made desperate efforts to secure their evacuation. The couple endured severe shortages of food and water, and constant bombardment, which exacerbated Mohammed's heart condition. Loay coordinated with various organizations and officials, trying multiple avenues to get his parents out safely.[24][25]

After numerous attempts and a failed initial evacuation that came under fire, Loay succeeded with the assistance of Turkish authorities. His parents were transported in an ambulance convoy to the Rafah border crossing, which was the only viable exit from Gaza at the time. Despite the danger and challenges, they eventually crossed into Egypt and reunited with Loay in Turkey.[24]

Loay's relentless determination and resourcefulness were crucial in overcoming the obstacles and ensuring his parents' safety, showcasing a deeply personal and human side to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.[26][14][27]

Loay went through very tough times trying to help his parent in Gaza, he even compared his success on Mars and inability to help his parent at start "I feel like I’m part of the Wright Brother team, like, who flew the first time on Earth. It’s an incredible feeling to have contributed to making history in space, yet it’s a stark contrast to the inability to help my own family back in Gaza." [27][28]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Salah, Hanah (May 14, 2021). "NASA engineer from Gaza following escalation with concern". Al-Monitor. Retrieved February 2, 2022. From his house in Los Angeles, California, he told Al-Monitor over Zoom about the historical accomplishment he achieved with the NASA team.
  2. ^ a b c Doğru, Islam (May 2, 2021). "Palestinian engineer behiind helicopter flight on Mars". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Agencies. "From Gaza to Mars: Palestinian engineer behind helicopter flight on red planet". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c "2014–2019 on Ingenuity Mars Helicopter NASA-JPL". Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "A space engineer who brought us images of Mars confronts Earth's brutal realities in Gaza". Los Angeles Times. November 18, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  6. ^ San Román, Gabriel (November 18, 2023). "A space engineer who brought us images of Mars confronts Earth's brutal realities in Gaza". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  7. ^ "Palestinian behind Mars drone says visiting home is no small step". Aljazeera. April 29, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Emily Webb (September 1, 2021). "From Gaza to NASA A Space Odyssey" (Podcast). BBC Sounds. Event occurs at 19:23. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "UNRWA Honours NASA Engineer and Former School Student Loay Elbasyouni". UNRWA. September 13, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  10. ^ Hinson, Holly (April 27, 2021). "From UofL to Mars, alumnus finds passion in engineering". Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  11. ^ Ayyoub, Loureen (May 20, 2021). "Gaza refugee designs first NASA helicopter to fly on Mars". Spectrum News. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  12. ^ "Palestinian engineer behind helicopter flight on Mars". The Jerusalem Post. May 2, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  13. ^ "What's it like to have a job in space?". WIRED Middle East. May 13, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Hjelmgaard, Kim (December 22, 2023). "He's digging for water on the Moon. He hasn't been able to find a way to get water to Gaza". USA TODAY. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  15. ^ a b c Tamim, Baba. "From Gaza to NASA: Journey of an engineer who helped build Ingenuity Mars Helicopter". Interesting Engineering. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Loay Elbasyouni". Faces Of Palestine. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Heaney, Christopher. "UNRWA Commissioner-General Statement Before the Security Council on Situation in Gaza". Question of Palestine. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  18. ^ "First Person: From Gaza to the Red Planet | UN News". news.un.org. March 20, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  19. ^ Abusidu, Eman (April 19, 2021). "NASA's Palestinian engineer gets ready to make history once again". Middle East Monitor. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  20. ^ Akram, Fares (April 30, 2021). "Gazan behind Mars drone says visiting home is no small step". Egypt Independent. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  21. ^ "US space engineer fears for parents trapped in Gaza". Yahoo News. October 18, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  22. ^ "A Palestinian American Engineer Based In LA Is Trying To Get His Parents Out of Gaza". LAist. December 23, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  23. ^ Campoamor, Danielle (October 20, 2023). ""He Told Me, 'If I Die, Just Take Care of Your Brothers'"". The Cut. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Williams, Holly; Kiniry, Leigh; Reals, Tucker (February 16, 2024). "Loay Elbasyouni "gave up hope many times" that his parents would escape Gaza City. Here's how he saved them". CBS News. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  25. ^ Sankar, Anjana (October 15, 2023). "Palestinian Nasa engineer's anguish as parents stuck in Gaza without food and water". The National. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  26. ^ "How a Palestinian in L.A. helped his elderly parents escape war-torn Gaza". Sandhills Express. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  27. ^ a b Helmore, Edward (October 19, 2023). "'Every time I talk to them, it's like the last call': anguish of Palestinian Americans". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  28. ^ "From Gaza To Mars: When Flying In Space Is Easier Than Going Home". StoryCorps. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
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