Welcome to my personal webpage. My name is Jacco and I am fascinated by anything space, science & technology.
As a PhD candidate I am researching space debris at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where I also obtained my Master of Science in Space Exploration. Space debris poses a major threat to operational spaceflight. As a society we are ever more dependent on space and the number of satellites increases exponentially since 1957. My research focuses on improving predictions of satellite collisions and impacts of re-entering objects.
Apart from space debris, I am generally fascinated by everything space, science and (information) technology. I continuously try to broaden my horizon and learn new skills. I highlight a few areas that I feel especially strong about below.
Space exploration to me is the most magnificent of all human endeavors and occupies my professional and personal interests. Specifically, I have a strong affinity for orbital mechanics, and numerical techniques to solve its problems.
Programming is a very enabling and librating experience. I have self-taught numerous languages including C++, Python, Bash, Matlab etc. I program on a daily basis and I am co-project lead for Tudat (open-source). In my past time, I write small pieces of software for fun and automation (of which a few see the light).
To balance sitting behind a computer, I regularly go running, mountain biking and hiking. I am perpetually training for a next goal or race, and have completed three marathons thus far.
Coffee fuels and fascinates me. I am always looking to perfect my skills, discover novel brewing methods, and combining this with my other hobbies (e.g., Arduino-powered bean roaster).
When I’m not behind a computer or outside, I like to read (or listen to) science fiction books. Further, I like to cook, work around the house, and make random DIY projects.