We spoke to a few JPL interns about what they’ve been working on, how they’re taking NASA into the future, and what it all means to them.

Despite the challenges of the past two years, it’s been a busy time for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Among the laboratory’s activities are the launch and landing of a new Mars rover, preparations for sending a spacecraft to explore an ocean world beyond Earth, the first light for missions of study of our changing climate and the universe beyond, and the development of technologies to help respond to the COVID pandemic.

Throughout this time, JPL interns have continued to support scientists, engineers, and technologists behind the scenes to bring these missions and projects to fruition.

More than 600 summer interns are involved in this crucial work – both in person at the Southern California lab as well as from their homes and dorms across the country. In May, JPL again welcomed summer interns on site for the first time since 2019 while continuing to offer remote internships on a project basis.

We wanted to know what the interns have done, how they contribute to NASA missions and science, and what the experience has meant to them. So we met three students who have helped see the lab over the past two years – and in one case, seven years. Watch their stories in the video above.

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The lab’s STEM internship and scholarship programs are managed by the JPL Education Office. Extending the reach of NASA’s Office for STEM Engagement, JPL Education seeks to create the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and space explorers by supporting educators and bringing the excitement of NASA missions and science to learners of all ages.

Career opportunities in STEM and beyond are available online at jpl.jobs. Learn more about careers and life at JPL at LinkedIn and following @nasajplcareers on Instagram.

TAGS: Interns, Internships, Students, Science, Engineering, InSight, Mars, Europa, Ocean Worlds, Enceladus, Saturn, Cassini, Ceres

• NASA/JPL Education

  NASA/JPL Edu supports science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education by providing NASA and JPL activities, resources, and materials to educators and students from kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as STEM internships and research opportunities to higher education students and faculty.