12-Month Aerospace & Robotics Project + Skill Plan
Month 1 – Python & Robotics Basics
Goals: Learn Python fundamentals and basic robotics
Skills: Python, loops, functions, lists, basic OOP
Projects:
• #2 Line-following / obstacle-avoiding robot (simple Arduino/Python)
• #15 Rocket flight data analysis (simulate a small rocket in Python)
Deliverables: GitHub repository with code + short video demo
Month 2 – Intermediate Python & Simulations
Goals: Learn NumPy, Matplotlib, basic robotics libraries
Skills: Data visualization, sensor simulation
Projects:
• Enhance #2 robot with sensor data logging
• Start #11 Camera-based object tracking robot (OpenCV + Python)
Deliverables: GitHub + video showing robot detecting objects
Month 3 – C++ Basics + Arduino/Embedded Control
Goals: Learn C++ fundamentals for robotics and control
Skills: Variables, loops, functions, classes, Arduino integration
Projects:
• Convert #2 robot control to C++
• Implement PID controller for robot movement (#9)
Deliverables: Working robot demo; document code
Month 4 – ROS Basics + Simulation
Goals: Learn ROS (Robot Operating System) for simulation & real-time control
Skills: ROS nodes, topics, messages, TurtleSim
Projects:
• #1 Autonomous drone navigation (simulation in ROS) – basic movement + obstacle avoidance
• #4 Flight simulation of UAV in MATLAB/Simulink
Deliverables: Video of drone/UAV movement in simulation
Month 5 – Advanced Robotics + AI/ML
Goals: Learn AI/ML for perception & navigation
Skills: OpenCV, TensorFlow/PyTorch, path planning
Projects:
• #1 Autonomous drone with AI for obstacle detection
• #16 Indoor robot mapping (SLAM simulation)
Deliverables: Simulation video + GitHub code
Month 6 – CAD & Aerodynamics
Goals: Learn CAD design and basic CFD for flight optimization
Skills: SolidWorks / Fusion 360, ANSYS / OpenFOAM basics
Projects:
• #8 Aerodynamic CFD study of UAV wing
• #14 3D-printed UAV prototype
Deliverables: CAD files, CFD results, photos/videos of prototype
Month 7 – Advanced Aerospace Project
Goals: Combine AI, CAD, and flight simulation
Projects:
• #4 Flight simulation + #8 CFD optimization + #1 drone autonomy
Deliverables: Video demo + report with simulations and results
Month 8 – Rocket / Propulsion Project
Goals: Understand propulsion & data collection
Projects:
• #3 Model rocket design & launch
• #10 Rocket engine / propulsion simulation
Deliverables: Flight test data, graphs, analysis, GitHub repository
Month 9 – Space / Satellite Concept
Goals: Learn orbital mechanics & satellite design
Projects:
• #5 CubeSat / small satellite design (conceptual)
• #13 Mars Rover simulation
Deliverables: CAD + simulation results + report
Month 10 – Swarm & Autonomous Systems
Goals: Multi-agent robotics & drone swarms
Projects:
• #6 Autonomous UAV swarm simulation
• #12 Drone package delivery simulation
Deliverables: Simulation videos showing coordination
Month 11 – Integration & Portfolio
Goals: Integrate all previous projects; polish portfolio
Tasks:
• Combine UAV drone autonomy + CFD optimization + propulsion analysis
• Document all projects in GitHub
• Create portfolio website or video demos
• Start drafting scholarship essays with project highlights
Month 12 – Competitions & Applications
Goals: Showcase skills and apply for scholarships
Tasks:
• Enter competitions (FIRST, RoboCup, Drone Racing, NASA/ESA challenges)
• Submit scholarship applications (Knight-Hennessy, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright)
• Include portfolio links, GitHub, videos, and research reports
Key Tips for Maximum Impact
1. Document everything → GitHub, portfolio website, videos, reports
2. Focus on autonomy + AI + aerospace integration → this combination is highly valued
3. Leadership → lead a team or project if possible
4. Publications → even small reports or online projects count
