Launch Operations: Risk-Based Insight

Overview:

Step into the heart of NASA’s launch readiness efforts. As a Launch Operations Risk Based Insight intern, you’ll help the team track and interpret the activities of commercial launch providers — the hardware they build, the software they operate, the risks they manage, and the schedules they drive. Your work will directly support how NASA maintains mission awareness and prepares for safe, successful launches.

You’ll gain an inside look at how NASA evaluates partner performance, identifies emerging issues, and uses data driven insight to make decisions that protect crew, spacecraft, and mission objectives. Along the way, you have opportunities to explore technical focus areas like cryogenics, propulsion, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanisms, structures, electrical systems, command and control, and software — giving you a broad window into the engineering that sends vehicles to space.

Key Activities:

• Dive into ground and vehicle data to extract observations, technical trends, and potential risks.
• Help maintain trackers that support ongoing awareness of issues, risks, and schedule drivers.
• Organize insight data in shared tools so engineers and leadership can use it effectively.
• Contribute short summaries and updates for internal mission readiness reporting.

Skills You’ll Gain:

• A practical understanding of how NASA conducts risk based insight across commercial launch operations.
• Hands on experience reviewing real engineering, operations, and technical documentation.
• Growth in organizing complex information clearly, concisely, and in ways that support engineering teams and leadership.
• Broader exposure to NASA systems engineering concepts across multiple technical disciplines.

**Eligible Applicants:** Student
**Academic Level:** Undergraduate Junior, Undergraduate Senior, Graduate Master's, Graduate Doctoral
**Activity Type:** In-person
**Citizenship:** US Citizen Only
**Type:** Internships