About the role#
The Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division at Johnson Space Center is developing autonomous navigation for the Orion program. You will join the Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) Guidance, Navigation, and Control team. This group processes data from docking cameras and LIDAR sensors to estimate the relative position and attitude of spacecraft. You will support the team as they prepare for the Artemis 3 mission.
What you'll do#
- Assist with verification and validation of optical relative navigation systems.
- Refine and test algorithms for camera and LIDAR systems.
- Perform hardware calibration and flight software verification.
- Plan tests and experiments for Artemis 3.
- Work with real and synthetic data, including data from Artemis 2.
- Conduct post-flight analysis to support future mission preparation.
- Research, write, and test software.
- Conduct hands-on lab work with hardware.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as an undergraduate junior, senior, or graduate master's student.
- US citizenship.
- Coding proficiency in Python, C++, or Matlab.
- Strong debugging skills.
- Knowledge of spaceflight mechanics.
- Ability to work autonomously on ambiguous problems.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience with image processing, computer vision, and spacecraft navigation.
- Experience with aerospace hardware and software testing.
- Familiarity with optics and geometric camera models.
Location & details#
- Location: Houston, Texas (NASA Johnson Space Center).
- Term: Winter 2027 (January 25, 2027, to May 7, 2027).
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Compensation: Paid internship.
About NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is a government agency founded in 1958. It conducts research and development in aeronautics, space exploration, and science. The organization operates from various locations across the United States, including its headquarters in Washington, DC. With over 53,000 employees, it manages missions involving rockets, spacecraft, and Earth observation.
How to get in at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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