Shivam Desai is currently interning at NASA's prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California after receiving a 2025 New Zealand space scholarship. Photo: Supplied
Two young Kiwi Indians have landed internships at NASA's iconic Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, marking a giant leap for the country's growing ambitions in space.
The pair were among seven university students selected under a government initiative offering New Zealand tertiary students the opportunity to work with NASA scientists and engineers.
The international internship programme was launched following a 2018 agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and NASA.
Sponsored by the New Zealand Space Agency, the three-month placements provided students with hands-on experience on cutting-edge NASA missions at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, one of the world's premier space research centres.
"It's exciting and inspirational," said Andrew Johnson, deputy head of the New Zealand Space Agency. "We're proud to support the next generation of science and space innovators."
Johnson said the government had also launched some prime ministerial space prizes last year, including a student endeavour award, to support young talent.
"These initiatives align with the government's goal of building an aerospace-capable workforce - one of five key objectives in the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024-2030," he said.
"I'd been waiting to apply for this scholarship since my undergraduate studies," said Shivam Desai, a mechatronics engineering master's student from the University of Auckland.
The 24-year-old student was awarded the scholarship alongside other recipients at Parliament by Space Minister Judith Collins on 5 June.
He described the selection process as rigorous, involving a written application and video interview.
"I got a call while heading home from university in early March that I'd been selected and, now, here I am in Pasadena," Desai said.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Born in Ahmedabad, India, Desai moved to New Zealand as an infant, now calling New Lynn home.
"We travel to India quite often. I have a lot of family there," he said.
"My parents have made a real effort to keep me connected to that part of my identity, which I'm very grateful for."
Desai is working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the deployment mechanism for antenna systems, particularly those launched on small satellites.
His fascination with space began 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.
"I think NASA had just released the first images of black holes around then, and I remember thinking, 'This is a really cool space to be in'. That moment stuck with me."
He acknowledged that while opportunities in space were still limited in New Zealand, he had seen promising growth - especially at university level.
"There are so many student-run clubs working on small satellites and passing down knowledge," he said.
He said Kiwis had demonstrated their capabilities in the space sector through companies such as Rocket Lab, Dawn Aerospace, and Kea Aerospace.
Desai said he hoped to bring what he learned during his internship back to help develop New Zealand's space industry.
Taran John is currently interning at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Photo: Supplied
Taran John, another scholarship recipient, shared similar aspirations.
A third-year PhD student at Victoria University in Wellington, John is also based in Pasadena for the internship.
John's PhD research centres on developing an AI assistant to support dermatologists in detecting and grading skin cancers.
At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he will use similar software to assist with sampling on Martian or lunar surfaces, focusing on improving interactions between astronauts and their equipment.
"You can feel how close you are to bleeding-edge tech," he said.
"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."
Born in Bangalore, India, John's family hails from the southern state of Kerala.
He grew up in Lower Hutt but said he was proud of his Indian heritage.
"I don't know if I should say this on record," he said, "but I root for the Indian cricket team.
"We've got a strong Malayali community in Wellington, and growing up around them really helped me stay connected to my culture."
Like Desai, John also planned to return to New Zealand and contribute to its developing space sector.
"I don't see myself settling anywhere else. I'm a Kiwi. I've got friends and family here," he said.
"It's valuable to get international research experience and bring that home," he said.
"Maybe I'll start a start-up - there are so many paths to take. My PhD submission's due next year, so I've got some time to figure it out."
Both students said they were missing their families and expressed deep gratitude for their support.
"I definitely miss them," John said. "Honestly, I wouldn't be here without them. The importance my family has placed on education all my life is a big reason I'm here."
Desai echoed the sentiment, noting the community's strong investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"From a STEM perspective, the Indian community is incredibly engaged," he said. "It's really inspiring to see how involved we are."
