About the role#
NASA is working to develop technology for future in-space cryogenic propulsion systems. This internship focuses on Propellant Management Devices (PMDs) designed to separate liquid and vapor phases in microgravity. You will work with lead cryogenic propulsion scientists at the Glenn Research Center to help mature these systems for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
What you'll do#
- Develop test plans for ground and flight testing of cryogenic PMDs.
- Design, develop, and test ground and flight PMD hardware.
- Create and validate analytical models for sizing and design based on cryogenic data.
- Perform trade studies to identify optimal PMD configurations.
- Contribute to the design and analysis of reduced gravity cryogenic propellant systems.
- Run 1D and computational fluid dynamics simulations to model fluid motion.
- Conduct bench-top tests in the lab to measure performance characteristics.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as an undergraduate junior, senior, or graduate student.
- Completion of 1-2 semesters of undergraduate Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
- Knowledge of Matlab or Python.
- At least one semester of coursework in numerical techniques.
- Working knowledge of basic statistics, curve fitting, and optimization.
- A basic understanding of two-phase flow and experience with computational fluids analysis are preferred.
- Availability for two semesters is preferred.
Location & details#
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio (Glenn Research Center).
- Term: Summer 2027 (June 7 to August 13).
- Modality: On-site.
- Status: Full-time internship.
- Citizenship: US Citizen only.
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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