2027 Mission Design Summer Internship
Summer intern on the astrodynamics team working on spacecraft mission design, trajectory analysis, and simulation using orbital mechanics and scientific computing languages like Python and MATLAB.
- Compensation
- $26–$35 / hr
- Location
- Westminster, CO
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Intern
- Employment
- Internship
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another engineering discipline
- Strong foundation in orbital mechanics and computer programming
- Completed coursework or research related to astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or space systems
Nice to have
- Undergraduate or graduate research in orbital mechanics or astrodynamics
- Spacecraft mission design tools and simulation environments
- Optimization techniques and numerical methods
- Three-body dynamics and periodic orbit analysis
- Guidance, navigation, and control concepts
- Python, MATLAB, or other scientific computing languages
- Machine learning applications in aerospace
Full description
Advanced Space | 2027 Summer Internship | Onsite
We’re going to the Moon. Think you’ve got what it takes? About the Role
At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a 2027 Mission Design Summer Intern to join our astrodynamics team and contribute to innovative spacecraft mission design projects supporting the future of space exploration.
As a Mission Design Intern, you'll work alongside experienced technical staff who will provide mentorship and guidance throughout your internship. You'll gain hands-on experience solving real astrodynamics challenges, conducting mission design research, and contributing to projects connected to active space missions.
This internship is ideal for students who are passionate about orbital mechanics, spacecraft mission design, and the future of space exploration. You'll have the opportunity to apply your technical skills while learning from engineers working on some of the industry's most exciting missions.
About Advanced Space
Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers.
Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in.
What You'll Actually DoSupport mission design research and development.
Work alongside astrodynamics engineers on summer projects focused on spacecraft mission design, trajectory analysis, and advanced spaceflight concepts.
Solve challenging astrodynamics problems.
Contribute to technical projects involving areas such as:
- NRHO station keeping strategies
- Rendezvous and proximity operations
- Transfers between periodic orbits in the three-body problem
- Interplanetary mission design with multiple gravity assists
- Aerocapture flight mechanics
- Trajectory optimization using evolutionary algorithms
- Reinforcement learning applications for trajectory design
- Optical navigation using artificial intelligence algorithms