NASA Internships: Launching Careers in Space Exploration
Dreaming of a career with NASA and contributing to the advancement of space exploration and innovation for humanity’s benefit? NASA’s internship programs offer high school and university students the chance to be part of the agency’s mission in aeronautics, science, technology, and space exploration. These internships are a gateway to a world where the mysteries of the universe are unraveled, and the future of space technology is shaped.
At the heart of this opportunity are individuals like Claudia Sales, Kassidy McLaughlin, and Julio Treviño. They began their professional journeys as interns at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Their stories highlight the long-term impact of NASA’s STEM programs, which focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, essential fields in the modern technological landscape.
Claudia Sales: From Dream to Reality
"From a young age, I knew I wanted to work for NASA," recalls Claudia Sales, who now serves as the acting deputy chief engineer for the X-59 project, a leader in the agency’s experimental quiet supersonic aircraft program. Her journey with NASA began in 2005 as a Pathways intern, a cooperative work-study program that blends academic learning with practical experience.
During her internship, Claudia worked in propulsion and structures, contributing to projects such as the hypersonic research aircraft X-43A (Hyper-X) and the reusable orbital launch vehicle X-37. These projects allowed her to engage in thermal estimation calculations and trajectory analysis. She also gained hands-on design experience in NASA Armstrong’s Experimental Fabrication Shop.
"My dream was to be part of unique flight research projects," Claudia explains. "My mentor was incredible in exposing me to a wide variety of experiences and working on something singular that would one day be implemented in an aerial vehicle to make the world a better place."
Kassidy McLaughlin: Guided by Mentorship
For Kassidy McLaughlin, a flight systems engineer, mentorship and hands-on experience were crucial to her professional development. Today, she leads the development of a ground control station at NASA Armstrong. Kassidy’s path to engineering began in high school and college, where she enrolled in STEM classes, driven by her desire to pursue an engineering career.
Encouraged by her mother to apply for a NASA internship, Kassidy began her journey in 2014 as an intern with NASA Armstrong’s STEM Engagement Office, later transitioning to the Pathways program. "My mentor provided me with the necessary tools and encouraged me to ask questions," she shares. "He helped me see that I was capable of anything I set my mind to."
Kassidy’s internship included five rotations, where she worked on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System (UAS in the NAS) project. "It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to be in a control room when something you’ve worked on is flying," she says. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
"The people at NASA Armstrong offer something special," Kassidy notes. "The culture at the center is very friendly, and everyone is welcoming."
Julio Treviño: A Culture of Support
Julio Treviño, the chief operations engineer for NASA’s Global Hawk SkyRange project, ensures the airworthiness of unique systems and vehicles throughout their planning, integration, and flight phases. His role also includes being a certified mission controller, mission director, and test flight engineer for several NASA aircraft.
Like Kassidy, Julio’s career began in 2018 as a Pathways intern in the Dynamics and Controls branch at NASA Armstrong. This experience paved the way for his success after graduating in mechanical engineering. "As an intern, I had the opportunity to work on the design and creation of a battery model for a fully electric aircraft," Julio explains. "It was officially published as a NASA software model for use by anyone in the agency."
Julio also highlights the supportive culture and people at NASA as the best part of his internship. "I had mentors who were very supportive during my time as an intern, and the fact that everyone here truly loves the work they do is incredible," he says.
A Gateway to the Future
Each year, NASA offers more than 2,000 students the opportunity to influence the agency’s mission through internships. These programs are designed to provide real-world experience and a path to future careers in aerospace and technology. For those interested in becoming part of NASA’s mission, the application deadline for the fall of 2025 is May 16.
For more information about NASA’s internship programs, application deadlines, and eligibility, visit NASA’s Internship Programs.
The Impact of STEM Education
NASA’s commitment to STEM education is evident in its internship programs, which serve as a vital link between academic learning and practical application. By fostering a culture of mentorship and providing students with hands-on experience, NASA not only prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers but also inspires them to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration and technology.
In conclusion, NASA’s internship programs are more than just a stepping stone for aspiring professionals; they are a launchpad for careers that contribute to humanity’s quest to explore the unknown. As students like Claudia, Kassidy, and Julio embark on their journeys, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to make significant contributions to the world of aerospace and beyond. The future of space exploration is bright, and it begins with opportunities like these.
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