Aafaque Khan
Hi! I'm Aafaque R. Khan
Doctoral Candidate and NASA Future Investigator (FINESST Fellow) at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona. I build space telescopes and ultraviolet instruments to explore our universe.
My research bridges detector physics, ultraviolet astronomy, and space instrumentation engineering. I focus on developing photon-counting UV detectors and precision optical systems for next-generation space missions.
I currently lead optical integration, calibration, and testing of far-ultraviolet spectrographs for NASA’s Aspera SmallSat Mission, a $20M project mapping the warm–hot gas that connects galaxies.
Before my doctoral work, I served as Lead Engineer for India’s first solar ultraviolet space telescope aboard ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission, launched in September 2023. Operating from the Sun–Earth L1 point, it continues to provide high-resolution images of the solar atmosphere for space weather and solar variability studies.
Projects
Aspera NASA Pioneers SmallSat
Aspera SmallSat will study the diffuse O VI emission at 103.2 nm from the warm-hot gas in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of nearby galaxies
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FIREBall-2 Stratospheric Balloon Mission
FIREBall-2 is a 1-m NUV telescope with a multi-object spectrograph designed to study redshifted emission from gas in CGM of nearby galaxies.
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Dark Current in Silicon Detectors
Test setup to characterize the noise characteristics of silicon-based arrays using single-photon detection capabilities of EMCCD detectors.
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Electron Multiplying CCD Detectors (EMCCDs)
Exploring applications of single-photon-counting capabilities in UV astronomy. Developing EMCCD detectors for future space missions.
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Patterned Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coatings
Developing delta-doped EMCCDS with high UV Quantum Efficiency (QE) with direct deposited anti-reflection (AR) coatings using ALD techniques.
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Skipper CCDs for Ultraviolet Astronomy
Development and characterization of UV-enhanced delta-doped Skipper CCD detectors for applications in space-based UV astronomy.
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Vacuum UV Quantum Efficiency Measurement Setup
Developing a detector characterization test setup to measure noise and throughput performance of experimental UV detectors.
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Detecting UV Transients with NUTRANS
Upgrading detector systems for SuperLOTIS, a 60 cm robotic telescope on Kitt Peak, to observe transients in the near ultraviolet.
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Optical Alignment and Metrology
Application of interferometry, computer-generated holograms, and 3D blue-light photogrammetry for optical alignment and metrology.
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21+ peer-reviewed papers in UV astronomy, detector physics, and space instrumentation
These are representative entries — replace with exact citations from your CV or Google Scholar profile.
Career Journey
Ph.D., Astronomy and Astrophysics
Present–2020Steward Observatory | Advisor: Dr. Erika T. Hamden
Expected Spring 2026
- NASA Future Investigator in Space Science & Technology Fellowship
- Research focus: Photon-counting UV detectors and space instrumentation
Graduate Research Assistant
Present–2019Leading detector physics research and space mission instrumentation projects
- Aspera SmallSat mission optical integration and calibration
- FIREBall-2 balloon telescope optical systems
- NUTRANS UV transient detection system
- Advanced detector characterization and testing
M.S., Optical Sciences
Present–2019University of Arizona
Expected Fall 2025
Specialization in optical design, alignment, and metrology for space instrumentation
Co-Investigator, Aspera SmallSat
2022PI: Carlos Vargas
Leading optical alignment, integration, and calibration of twin Far-UV spectrographs for mapping warm-hot circumgalactic medium
NASA FINESST Fellowship
2024–2021Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science & Technology
Research investigating fundamental noise properties of silicon-based detectors for UV astronomy applications
Pre-doctoral Fellow
2024–2022Research collaboration on UV detector development and space instrumentation
M.S., Astronomy and Astrophysics
2024–2020Steward Observatory | Advisor: Dr. Erika T. Hamden
Completed thesis on detector physics for UV space missions
Lead Engineer, SUIT Solar Observatory
2019–2015India's first solar UV space telescope
- Led cross-functional teams across IUCAA and multiple ISRO centers
- Full payload development from concept to Critical Design Review
- Successfully launched September 2023, operational at L1 point
- Systems engineering, integration, testing & contamination control
Emerging Space Leaders Award
2012Recognition for contributions to space education and advocacy
Selected panelist for Next Generation Plenary at IAC, Naples, moderated by Bill Nye
B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering
2013–2009Full Scholarship, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India
Foundation in engineering design and systems analysis
Skills
Core competencies in optical engineering, scientific computing, and mechanical design
Optical Design, Analysis & Testing
Programming & DevOps
Mechanical Design & FEM
Contact
I'm always interested in discussing collaborations, research opportunities, or UV astrophysics and space instrumentation.