From Homeless to NASA: Engineer's Journey Inspires His Son

Six months of homelessness in Kissimmee, Florida didn't stop Rohit Goeptar from reaching the stars.

Today, the 30-something electromagnetic analyst ensures NASA rockets can communicate with Earth without interference. He works on major missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at Kennedy Space Center, making sure every electrical system plays nicely together during launch.

But getting here wasn't easy. Goeptar was born into poverty in Suriname, South America, where his parents worked three jobs and still barely scraped by. His family moved to California when he was six, then he bounced back to South America with his father two years later while his mother stayed behind.

At 13, he became a U.S. citizen and returned to California to live with his mom. He lost two fathers to suicide. A short first marriage ended with him living on the streets.

The U.S. Marine Corps gave him his first real opportunity. During six years as a technical operator, he helped typhoon survivors in the Philippines reconnect with loved ones by setting up emergency communication systems.

Then came the person who changed everything. His now-wife saw something in him he couldn't see in himself. She filled out college applications for him without asking.

While raising three kids and pursuing two engineering degrees simultaneously at the University of Central Florida, Goeptar applied to NASA. He got the call in spring 2025 while driving to pick up his son from school. He pulled over for an impromptu phone interview that changed his life.

Two weeks later, he interviewed in person. Two weeks after that, he had a contractor badge at America's premier spaceport. He started as an intern, worked part-time through graduation, then went full-time in early 2026. This year, he became a full NASA civil servant.

Why This Inspires

Goeptar's brain does work differently, just like his wife said. Within his first year, he spotted an analytical gap his entire team had missed. The analysis didn't account for how rockets pitch, yaw, and roll after launch. His solution now helps NASA and partner data sync more accurately.

"There is no greater feeling than being able to serve," Goeptar said through tears. "It's serving our country. It's serving the future of our country."

His 11-year-old son, a huge NASA fan, takes credit for manifesting his dad's job. The boy wants to become an astronaut. Goeptar plans to guide him every step of the way.

"Maybe my last mission could be the one my son flies on," he said. "I'm not going to stop until that day happens."

Goeptar recently got accepted into electrical engineering master's programs at both Johns Hopkins University and the University of Central Florida, proving that second chances can launch you anywhere.