Jorge Martinez

Building software for science, engineering & space

About

I’m Jorge Martinez, an aerospace engineer and software developer interested in astrodynamics and scientific computing.

Portrait of Jorge Martinez. By Maria Moreno Poncela.
Portrait of Jorge Martinez. By Maria Moreno Poncela.

Aerospace

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) sparked my interest in aerospace around 2013, while I was in high school. Around 2015, I found Link2FS 1. It let me connect an Arduino to FSX and build my own flight instruments.

A small F-16 model my grandmother gave me as a child.
A small F-16 model my grandmother gave me as a child.

I explain how to design and build these instruments on my YouTube channel.

Pilot License

In 2015, I got a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) license. It was much cheaper to obtain and maintain than a Private Pilot License (PPL).

I completed my training at the Aeroclub de Castellón on a Tecnam-P92. I grew fond of how it flew.

Me sitting on the left rear wheel of the Tecnam-P92 I used to fly.
Me sitting on the left rear wheel of the Tecnam-P92 I used to fly.

Simulators

Flight simulation was a shared interest at the school. Other pilots and I built a flight simulator to train future pilots.

The flight simulator we built for the flight school.
The flight simulator we built for the flight school.

My review covers the simulator’s features and how it works.

Aerospace Degree

I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M).

My perspective on modern academia

For individuals who possess a curious and creative nature, the university environment can sometimes feel restrictive, akin to a prison for the mind.

Software

At university, I accidentally overwrote my computer’s operating system with a Linux distribution. That mistake got me interested in computer science and led me to learn new skills.

I learned to program in C and Python, and to use Git, LaTeX, shell scripting, and Vim 2. I also explored Inkscape and Asymptote for graphic design.

Logos of the tools I learned to use

These skills made me more productive. I could write better reports and draw figures without relying on proprietary software.

I still learn about Linux, its programs and commands, and how my computer works. The projects section lists the projects I contribute to.

Loup

In October 2019, I adopted a dog and named him Loup. He grew into a beautiful dog who won over many of my relatives and friends.

Loup was clever. He learned many individual tricks that could be combined to perform more complex tasks. He fit the UNIX philosophy well!

Loup and I walking on the beach.
Loup and I walking on the beach.

Loup developed severe health issues by the end of 2024. In February 2025, I said goodbye to my friend. We all miss you, Loup.

Today

After several years of contributing to open source projects, I joined Ansys as a senior research and software developer. The company develops engineering simulation software.

Ansys logo

Contact

I prefer email in plain text. Markup syntax is welcome; avoid embedded HTML. Please be polite and patient while waiting for a reply.

  1. Link2FS is no longer available to download. You can consider Mobiflight as an alternative. ↩︎

  2. Vim users save around 11 minutes in productivity, then spend 24 hours convincing non-users to try it. ↩︎