NASA Internship Letter of Interest
July 31, 2026
NASA Internship Program Selection Committee
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, District of Columbia
Dear Members of the NASA Internship Program Selection Committee,
I am writing to express my eager interest in contributing to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through a NASA
internship opportunity. Since I first marveled at the images returned by deep-space observatories and followed the precise
engineering involved in planetary rover deployments, NASA has represented the absolute pinnacle of human curiosity, scientific
rigor, and technological achievement. As an undergraduate student dedicated to aerospace engineering and robotic systems, I
have tailored my academic journey toward solving complex engineering challenges at the frontiers of exploration. I am deeply
motivated by NASA's mission to pioneer space exploration, advance scientific discovery, and push the boundaries of
aeronautics for the benefit of humanity. I welcome the opportunity to apply my technical skillset, laboratory experience, and
passion for innovation as an intern within your distinguished team.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, I have built a rigorous academic foundation grounded in orbital mechanics, fluid dynamics,
thermodynamics, structural analysis, and control systems. Beyond theoretical coursework, I have actively sought hands-on
laboratory research and project-based learning to deepen my practical engineering capability. In our university’s Autonomous
Aerospace Systems Laboratory, I serve as a student researcher focusing on the design and simulation of autonomous
navigation architectures for small satellite platforms. My academic endeavors have deepened my mastery of flight dynamics
software, high-performance computing, and hardware-in-the-loop simulation methodologies, equipping me with the technical
agility required for mission-critical engineering projects.
Throughout my undergraduate career, I have cultivated strong practical skills in software development, computational modeling,
and embedded systems engineering. I regularly utilize Python, MATLAB, and C++ to design control algorithms, analyze complex
telemetry datasets, and develop predictive simulations for orbital trajectory propagation. Complementing my computational
background, I possess extensive experience in 3D computer-aided design using SolidWorks and Siemens NX, alongside finite
element structural modeling. As the Lead Control Systems Engineer for our university’s NASA Robotic Mining Competition team,
I led a cross-functional team of twelve students in designing an autonomous excavation rover intended for regolith collection in
simulated lunar environments. In this role, I integrated sensor fusion algorithms using LIDAR and inertial measurement units
onto an embedded Linux micro-controller, enabling autonomous obstacle detection and precise path planning under severe
environmental constraints. This project honed my problem-solving abilities under strict deadlines, strengthened my technical
communication skills, and demonstrated my capacity to translate complex requirements into reliable physical hardware.
What excites me most about interning at NASA is the agency's unyielding commitment to tackling challenges that seem
impossible until they are achieved. Whether supporting the Artemis program as humanity prepares for sustainable crewed
missions to the Moon, contributing to autonomous planetary exploration, analyzing Earth observation data to address climate
resilience, or designing next-generation aeronautical flight systems, NASA provides an unparalleled environment where bold
ideas transform into reality. I am drawn to NASA’s culture of first-principles thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and
continuous learning. I desire to work alongside world-class engineers, scientists, and researchers who share an unwavering
dedication to public service and scientific excellence, knowing that every contribution serves a broader global vision.
As an intern, I will bring my technical competence, disciplined work ethic, creative problem-solving mindset, and collaborative
spirit to NASA's missions. I am eager to take on challenging responsibilities, contribute meaningfully to active research and
engineering workflows, and absorb invaluable mentorship from NASA experts. My experience working on multidisciplinary
engineering teams has taught me that groundbreaking aerospace advances are built on rigorous attention to detail, transparent
communication, and collective resilience.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of aerospace innovators. I welcome the
opportunity to further discuss how my technical skills, research background, and passion for space exploration align with
NASA’s upcoming internship objectives.
Sincerely,
Marcus Vance
B.S. Candidate in Aerospace Engineering
University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, Michigan
