Irvin Déaan Swart
I am a highly motivated and adaptable engineer who takes pride in continuous improvement and excellence. With strong collaboration and communication skills, I thrive in team environments. I have developed solid expertise in embedded systems and software development during my Master’s program. I now apply this expertise at GFZ, the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Munich, where I contribute to ESA’s Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM/MAGIC) by running advanced satellite simulations and delivering software products that meet ESA’s rigorous standards.
Email: irvin7867@gmail.com
Website: irvindeaanswart.com
Linkedin: Available
Cell: +27 730083421
CV PDF: Available
Experience
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GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences - Research Assisstant (Satellite Simulation)
April 2024 - Present - 1 year 6 months
I am employed as a Research Assistant at GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Munich, Germany, where my work is funded through the ESA End-to-End Mission Performance Evaluation (MPEF) project. My role focuses on advanced satellite simulations, specifically modeling the orbital dynamics and observation capabilities of dual-satellite missions. I simulate the GRACE satellite pair over the polar regions as well as a prospective mission concept involving a second inclined dual-satellite pair designed to improve the accuracy of determining fluctuations in Earth’s gravity field. This work contributes to the evaluation of future satellite mission designs for enhanced monitoring of mass transport processes, directly supporting ESA’s planning for next-generation geoscience missions.
ESA Project Experience
End-to-End Mission Performance Evaluation Project - MPEF
Through my involvement in the ESA MPEF project, I have gained direct experience working with the European Space Agency. This includes attending and contributing to in-person meetings with ESA representatives, where I presented simulation results and engaged in technical discussions. In addition, I have successfully delivered software to ESA as a final product, ensuring compliance with ESA’s rigorous standards for quality, documentation, and usability. These experiences have provided me with first-hand insight into ESA’s processes for coordinating with external partners and strengthened my ability to operate effectively in large, multi-institutional aerospace projects.
Education
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Stellenbosch University
MEng in Electronic Engineering - cum laude
2022 - 2023
During my Master’s studies, I designed a control system for the rendezvous of nanosatellites with a particular focus on electric propulsion. I graduated cum laude, with my research fully sponsored by Stellenbosch University in recognition of my academic excellence. I was part of the renowned Electronic Systems Laboratory (ESL). Established in 1991, the ESL served as the development facility for SUNSAT, South Africa’s first operational space satellite, launched in 1999 and successfully operated for two years beyond its design lifetime. Today, the ESL continues to specialize in pioneering research and technology development in the automation of air, space, terrestrial, and underwater vehicles.
University of Luxembourg
Space Propulsion - International Summer School
October 2022
The program is geared to students who are studying for a master's degree in aerospace engineering and offered online conferences by ArianeGroup experts, University of Luxembourg professors and speakers from high-tech companies. The course focused on electric propulsion and its theoretical fundamentals, flight mechanics, and maintaining optimal trajectories. The course also had a "Pitch your idea" session, where a few selected students were asked to present their ideas to a panel of ArianeGroup and ESRIC (European Space Resources Innovation Center) experts. Out of the 230 applicants, I was chosen as one of the four finalists for this session. This allowed me to pitch my space idea to expert engineers of the ArianeGroup that were part of the launch of the Ariane 5 Rocket, which carried the James Webb Space Telescope.
Stellenbosch University
BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
2018 - 2021
I graduated from Stellenbosch University with a bachelors degree in electrical and electronic engineering. I specialised in informatics - a stream focusing on digital and analogue electronic design, signal processing, computer science and machine learning. I have received the SU merit bursary in 2018 and a faculty award for excellent academic performance in 2020. I graduated in December 2021.
Durbanville High School
National Senior Certificate
2013 - 2017
I matriculated from Durbanville High School with an aggregate of 88% and 7 distinctions. I was awarded academic colours three years consecutively for achieving an average above 80%.
Key Skills
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C
C#
C++
Python
Fortran
Bash
Java
Matlab
JavaScript
SQL
Agile Project Management
Scrum Frameworks
Languages
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Afrikaans (Native)
English (Native)
Publications
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2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Minituarising Docking and Undocking Through Docksat
W. Jordaan, G. Serfontein, I. D. Swart, L. Visagie, and J. Lun | 2023
This project involves a 2U and 1U CubeSat that are launched together. The CubeSats are initially attached using a novel docking mechanism. The CubeSats will separate after being released from the deployer followed by rendezvous and re-docking maneuvers with one another. Multiple undocking and re-docking demonstrations will be attempted, with increasing separation distance between the satellites at each iteration.
Honours & Awards
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Freiwillige Feuerwehr - Volunteer Fire Department
Germering Unterpfaffenhofen
June 2025 - Present
Certificate of Academic Excellence
2020 - Stellenbosch University
Space Propulsion Pitch Finalist
2022 - University of Luxembourg
Additional Experience
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Stellenbosch University - Learning Assistant/Demi
January 2022 - July 2023
As a learning assistant/demi, my responsibilities included assisting students during weekly practicals and tutorials as well as the marking of practical reports for the module. I was a learning assistant for two third year modules namely, Control Systems 314 & Systems & Signals 344.
D'aria Function Venue - Barman
December 2017 - December 2021
Part-time barman at a function venue in Durbanville.