PUAN member and Purdue Engineering graduate researcher Mahhad Nayyer has been named one of the five Young Space Leaders (YSL) for 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) at its global gathering in Sydney, Australia. This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding young professionals shaping the future of astronautics through academic excellence, community engagement, and contributions to the international space community.

As part of Purdue’s Aeronautics and Astronautics program, Mahhad focuses on strengthening Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM), critical areas for ensuring safe and sustainable activity in Low Earth Orbit. His research uses analytical models to assess orbital capacity and improve slotting architectures for satellite operations.

Mahhad, along with fellow Purdue PhD scholar Muhammad Haroon, previously contributed to sending Pakistan’s first experimental payload to the International Space Station, a groundbreaking achievement for the country’s emerging space ecosystem.

PUAN congratulates Mahhad on this remarkable honor and celebrates his role in inspiring the next generation of Pakistani innovators and space enthusiasts.