Position Overview
NASA is accepting applications for a Spring 2027 OSTEM internship titled Machine Learning and AI Applications for Human Spaceflight Applications. The opportunity is listed as an in-person internship in Houston, Texas.
The project focuses on the development and testing of machine-learning methods and other data-analysis and data-processing algorithms that can support human-spaceflight applications. Interns work under NASA mentorship and contribute to real project activity rather than completing only classroom-style exercises.
NASA’s OSTEM internships are short-term, project-based opportunities for college-level students. NASA states that spring OSTEM sessions generally run for 15 weeks, and the Spring 2027 application deadline is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
NB: NASA requires U.S. citizenship for OSTEM internships. Applicants should confirm that their STEM Gateway profile, education and GPA information are complete before submitting.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet NASA OSTEM eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of application
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a certificate or degree-granting program at an accredited U.S. technical school, college or university
- Recent higher-education graduates may apply only for internships taking place within the limited sessions NASA allows after graduation
- Be able to participate in the work arrangement shown for the project, which is listed as in-person in Houston
- Have academic preparation or demonstrated interest relevant to machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analysis, computing or a related technical area
Useful preparation for this project may include:
- Programming experience
- Machine-learning or AI coursework/projects
- Data analysis and data-processing experience
- Mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering or related coursework
- Ability to document technical work and communicate results
- Experience working collaboratively on research or technical projects
Tip: NASA encourages students to apply for multiple opportunities. Your STEM Gateway profile should clearly show relevant coursework, programming projects, research, technical tools and project results.
Key Responsibilities
The intern may contribute to work such as:
- Supporting development and testing of machine-learning methods for human-spaceflight applications
- Working with data-analysis and data-processing algorithms
- Organizing, preparing or evaluating technical data used by the project
- Supporting experiments, testing or validation activities under mentor guidance
- Reviewing results and helping identify patterns, limitations or areas for improvement
- Documenting technical work and project progress
- Participating in meetings and discussions with NASA mentors and project team members
- Developing technical and professional skills while contributing to NASA mission work
NASA notes that interns work with agency mentors on real projects. The exact assignments can depend on project needs, the intern’s academic background and the skills demonstrated during selection.
Tip: If you have completed an AI, ML, Python, data-science or research project, explain what problem you worked on, what data or tools you used and what result you achieved.
What You Will Gain
The internship can provide:
- Hands-on experience contributing to a NASA project
- Exposure to machine learning and AI in a human-spaceflight context
- Guidance and mentorship from NASA professionals
- Experience working with technical data, algorithms and project deliverables
- Development of career-readiness and professional communication skills
- A stronger technical portfolio and resume
- Exposure to NASA’s mission, teams and workplace environment
NASA states that the majority of OSTEM interns receive a stipend award. The amount is based on academic level and session duration, so a fixed salary should not be assumed unless it is shown in the individual opportunity.
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications are completed through NASA STEM Gateway. Create or update your profile, open the Machine Learning and AI Applications for Human Spaceflight Applications opportunity and submit the requested information before the Spring 2027 deadline.
- Check that your education and GPA information are accurate
- Add relevant coursework, projects, research and technical skills
- Make your machine-learning, AI, programming and data-analysis experience easy to identify
- Review the opportunity details before final submission
- Submit before September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Tip: NASA OSTEM does not require a letter of recommendation. Focus on a complete STEM Gateway profile and clear evidence of your relevant skills and interests.
6. FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What internship is currently available?
NASA STEM Gateway lists Machine Learning and AI Applications for Human Spaceflight Applications for the Spring 2027 internship session.
Where is the internship located?
The opportunity is listed as in-person in Houston, Texas.
Who can apply?
NASA OSTEM applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, meet the 3.0 GPA requirement and satisfy the college-enrollment or eligible recent-graduate rules.
How long is a NASA spring OSTEM internship?
NASA states that spring and fall OSTEM internship sessions generally run for 15 weeks.
Is the NASA internship paid?
NASA says the majority of OSTEM interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration. A fixed amount is not published for this project.
When is the Spring 2027 deadline?
The Spring 2027 OSTEM application deadline is September 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.