Seven New Zealand Students Earn NASA Internship Opportunity

The scholarship recipients come from a range of academic backgrounds including physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, microbiology and aerospace engineering.

Seven postgraduate students from New Zealand have secured a place in the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship programme, giving them the chance to spend three months working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California.

Space Minister Chris Penk announced the recipients during a scholarship ceremony, describing the programme as a significant opportunity for young researchers to gain hands-on experience within one of the world's leading space research centres. The students selected for the 2026 intake are Alexander Wiseman, Angela Xue, Laura Doyle and Zhen Hong Chai from Victoria University of Wellington, Laura Franssen from Auckland University of Technology, and Kyja McCabe and Thomas Phillips from the University of Auckland.

Students to Contribute to Advanced Space Research

The scholarship recipients come from a range of academic backgrounds, including physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, microbiology and aerospace engineering. During their placements, they will work directly with scientists and engineers on projects linked to current and future space missions.

Their research assignments cover a wide variety of areas, including astrovirology, studying gas reactions under vacuum ultraviolet light, designing power electronics systems, and analysing spacecraft telemetry data. The work is expected to provide valuable exposure to real-world challenges in space exploration and technology development. Penk said the programme allows students to build practical skills while contributing to projects that sit at the cutting edge of international space research.

Growing Space Sector Creates New Opportunities

The announcement comes as New Zealand's space sector continues to expand. Government figures show industry revenue grew by an estimated 53 per cent in the five years leading up to 2024, reflecting increasing activity and investment across the sector.

According to Penk, the growth is strengthening New Zealand's reputation as an active participant in the global space industry while creating economic benefits at home. Developing highly skilled talent remains a key focus of New Zealand's Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy. Programmes such as the New Zealand Space Scholarship are designed to help emerging researchers gain international experience before bringing their knowledge and expertise back to support the country's growing space ecosystem.

The scholarship programme is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which provides opportunities for postgraduate students to work alongside leading international space experts and expand New Zealand's future space workforce.