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Key Points

Two Indian-origin students in New Zealand have earned coveted internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Shivam Desai is developing satellite antenna systems while Taran John researches astronaut tools for Mars exploration. Both credit their Indian upbringing for shaping their scientific curiosity. The program reflects New Zealand's push to develop aerospace talent through international collaborations.

Key Points: Indian-Origin Students Shivam Desai and Taran John Win NASA JPL Internships

  • Shivam Desai working on satellite antenna deployment mechanisms
  • Taran John researching astronaut-equipment interactions for Mars missions
  • Both students maintain strong ties to Indian heritage
  • New Zealand Space Agency sponsors the competitive internship program
2 min read

2 Indian-origin students selected for internship at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab

Two New Zealand-based Indian students secure prestigious NASA JPL internships, working on satellite tech and Mars exploration projects.

"Being here, you're surrounded by some of the best minds in the world. – Taran John"

New Delhi, July 4

Two young Indians, from New Zealand, have made a giant leap to win an internship at US space agency NASA’s prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California.

Shivam Desai -- a mechatronics engineering master's student from the University of Auckland -- and Taran John -- a third-year PhD student at Victoria University -- were among seven university students selected under a government initiative offering tertiary students in New Zealand the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at NASA.

The international internship programme, sponsored by the New Zealand Space Agency, provides the students with three-month placements with hands-on experience on cutting-edge NASA missions at the JPL, one of the world's premier space research centres.

"We're proud to support the next generation of science and space innovators," said Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency. He added that the initiative “aligns with the government's goal of building an aerospace-capable workforce”.

Born in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, 24-year-old Desai developed a fascination for space in high school.

"I watched a documentary by Neil deGrasse Tyson while I was learning about gravity and orbital dynamics and that's when my interest really took off," he said.

He is currently working at the JPL on the deployment mechanism for antenna systems, particularly those launched on small satellites.

Dasai, based in New Lynn, also acknowledged his parents for keeping him connected to his roots.

“We travel to India quite often. I have a lot of family there," said the engineering student who moved to New Zealand as an infant.

Bengaluru-born Taran John, originally from Kerala, is interning at JPL to assist with sampling on Martian or lunar surfaces. His research is focussed on improving interactions between astronauts and their equipment.

"JPL has played a role in so many major space achievements. Being here, you're surrounded by some of the best minds in the world. You can feel how close you are to bleeding-edge tech," he said.

He grew up in Lower Hutt but said he was proud of his Indian heritage.

"We've got a strong Malayali community in Wellington, and growing up around them really helped me stay connected to my culture."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great achievement, but why can't ISRO create similar internship opportunities? We have brilliant students in IITs and NITs who deserve such exposure. Our space program needs to invest more in youth development.
A
Arjun K
Heartwarming to see they maintain their Indian roots while achieving global success. This is the perfect example of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - the world is one family. Kudos to their parents for keeping the cultural connection alive!
K
Kavya N
As a science teacher in Bengaluru, I'm sharing this story with my students tomorrow! We need more role models like Shivam and Taran who show that passion + hard work = stellar achievements 🚀
M
Michael C
Interesting how New Zealand is sponsoring this program. India should collaborate more with such countries for student exchange in STEM fields. The global exposure is invaluable for young researchers.
S
Siddharth J
While we celebrate their success, let's not forget the brain drain issue. Hope these talented individuals eventually bring their expertise back to India. Our space sector could benefit tremendously from their experience.

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