Texas Aerospace Scholars Research Brief Development Opportunity at NASA Johnson Space Center: Apply for the Spring 2027 Program

Are you a university student with strong writing, communication, research, education, engineering, science, or STEM interests and a passion for space exploration? NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is offering an opportunity to contribute to the Texas Aerospace Scholars (TAS) program through research, educational content development, and NASA-focused projects connected to the agency’s Moon-to-Mars exploration objectives.

The Texas Aerospace Scholars – Research Brief Development position is designed for students who want to gain practical experience in a professional NASA environment while helping develop educational resources for high school students interested in aerospace, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Based at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the position involves developing research briefs, educational materials, newsletters, digital content, and other resources that translate complex NASA initiatives into engaging and accessible learning experiences.

The program is scheduled for the Spring 2027 session, with registration opening on June 12, 2026, and closing on September 14, 2026.

About the Texas Aerospace Scholars Opportunity

The Texas Aerospace Scholars program is connected to NASA’s broader efforts to engage students in STEM education and inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.

The Research Brief Development position provides an opportunity for a student intern to support the development of educational and research content for TAS participants. A major focus of the assignment will be NASA’s Moon-to-Mars exploration objectives and how these objectives can be transformed into meaningful research projects for high school students.

The selected student will work alongside TAS mentors and subject matter experts at NASA Johnson Space Center to research, write, edit, design, and develop educational resources.

Rather than simply observing NASA operations, the student will be expected to make tangible contributions to the TAS program through the creation of professional-quality educational materials.

NASA describes its internships as educational, hands-on experiences that provide participants with opportunities to gain NASA-related research and operational experience.

For broader information about NASA internships, applicants can visit NASA Internships.

What Will the Selected Student Work On?

One of the central responsibilities of the position will be the development of comprehensive research briefs for Texas Aerospace Scholars students.

The intern is expected to develop approximately 5–7 two-page research briefs aligned with NASA’s Moon-to-Mars exploration objectives.

These research briefs are expected to contain several important components, including:

• Detailed descriptions of research projects.
• Scientific and technical background information.
• Exploratory activities designed for high school students.
• Clearly defined learning outcomes.
• Professionally formatted educational content suitable for distribution during TAS program sessions.
• Information that connects NASA exploration objectives with practical student research activities.

The work therefore combines research, writing, editing, education, communication, STEM knowledge, and content development.

Key Responsibilities

The selected participant will undertake a broad range of communications, research, education, and content-development responsibilities.

1. Develop Educational Content

The intern will research and create educational materials that help Texas Aerospace Scholars students understand complex aerospace and STEM concepts.

This requires the ability to take technical information and transform it into content that is clear, engaging, accurate, and appropriate for a high school audience.

2. Prepare Research Briefs

A major responsibility will be developing the 5–7 research briefs associated with the TAS program.

The briefs will connect student research activities with NASA’s Moon-to-Mars exploration goals and provide students with structured opportunities to investigate relevant topics.

3. Research NASA Moon-to-Mars Initiatives

The intern will research NASA initiatives associated with human exploration and the Moon-to-Mars pathway.

This may require reviewing technical and scientific information and identifying the most relevant material for educational use.

4. Write and Edit TAS Materials

The position involves writing content for a variety of Texas Aerospace Scholars communication and educational materials.

This includes content for:

• TAS educational resources.
• Newsletters.
• Digital platforms.
• Research materials.
• Student-facing resources.
• Other program communications.

5. Translate Complex Information for Students

An important part of the role is making complex technical concepts understandable to high school audiences.

The successful applicant should therefore be able to communicate scientific and technical information without unnecessarily complicated language while maintaining accuracy.

6. Support TAS Engagement Events

The intern will also support Texas Aerospace Scholars engagement activities and events.

This may involve helping prepare materials, supporting educational activities, assisting with program logistics, or contributing to other initiatives connected to student engagement.

7. Collaborate With Mentors and Subject Matter Experts

The position provides an opportunity to work with TAS mentors and subject matter experts at Johnson Space Center.

Collaboration will be important because the intern will need to gather information, receive feedback, refine content, and ensure that educational materials meet program expectations.

8. Contribute to Special Projects

In addition to the primary research-brief assignment, the intern may assist with special projects related to the Texas Aerospace Scholars program.

This makes adaptability and the ability to manage multiple assignments particularly important.

Work Schedule and Location

The opportunity is an in-person, full-time position at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

The stated working schedule is:

• Location: Houston, Texas
• NASA Center: Johnson Space Center
• Format: In-person
• Schedule: Full-time
• Working hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Hours per week: 40 hours
• Session: Spring 2027

Because the position is fully on-site, applicants should be prepared to participate in the program physically at Johnson Space Center rather than remotely.

Skills NASA Is Looking For

The opportunity is particularly suitable for students who can combine strong communication skills with research, analytical, technical, educational, or STEM capabilities.

The listing highlights several desired skills.

Strong Writing, Editing and Proofreading

The ability to write clearly and professionally is central to the position.

Applicants should be comfortable researching information, drafting content, editing their own work, proofreading documents, and producing polished materials for students and program stakeholders.

Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment

The position may involve several assignments and changing priorities. Applicants should therefore be capable of adapting quickly while maintaining accuracy and quality.

Multi-Project Management

The selected intern may have to work on multiple research briefs, educational resources, communications materials, and special projects simultaneously.

Strong organizational and time-management abilities will therefore be valuable.

Graphic Design

Experience with graphic design for print and digital platforms is listed among the desired skills.

Applicants who can combine writing with visual communication may be particularly well suited to the role.

Communication

Excellent communication skills will be important when working with mentors, subject matter experts, colleagues, and students.

Teamwork

The position requires collaboration across different areas, making the ability to work effectively as part of a team important.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Applicants should be able to analyze information, identify challenges, develop solutions, and make sound decisions when preparing educational and research materials.

Microsoft Office 365

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 is among the desired technical skills.

Canvas Learning Management Platform

Familiarity with the Canvas learning management system is also identified as a desirable skill.

Applicants who have previously used Canvas for educational, academic, or training purposes may find this experience particularly relevant.

Ability to Translate Technical Content

The ability to translate complex technical or scientific information into content suitable for educational audiences is particularly important.

This is one of the defining aspects of the position because the research briefs are intended for high school students.

NASA Mission or STEM Education Familiarity

Familiarity with NASA missions or STEM education is preferred.

While this is described as a preferred area rather than the sole basis for eligibility, applicants who understand NASA’s mission, aerospace exploration, STEM education, or Moon-to-Mars objectives may be better positioned to demonstrate their suitability.

Academic Fields Relevant to the Opportunity

The opportunity is open to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

The listed preferred majors cover communications, education, engineering, engineering technologies, and physical sciences.

Relevant academic areas include:

Communication and Journalism

Students studying communication, media studies, journalism, public information, or related communication fields may find the position especially relevant because of its strong writing, editing, research, and educational-content requirements.

Education

Relevant education fields include:

• Curriculum and instruction.
• General education.
• Educational assessment, evaluation, and research.
• Educational and instructional technology.
• Technology teacher education.
• Industrial arts teacher education.

Engineering

The listing includes an extensive range of engineering disciplines, including:

• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering.
• Agricultural engineering.
• Architectural engineering.
• Biochemical engineering.
• Biomedical and bioengineering.
• Biological and biosystems engineering.
• Chemical engineering.
• Civil engineering.
• Computer engineering.
• Construction engineering.
• Electrical and communications engineering.
• Electromechanical engineering.
• Engineering mechanics.
• Engineering physics and applied physics.
• Environmental and environmental health engineering.
• Geological and geophysical engineering.
• Industrial engineering.
• Manufacturing engineering.
• Materials engineering.
• Mechanical engineering.
• Mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering.
• Metallurgical engineering.
• Mining and mineral engineering.
• Naval architecture and marine engineering.
• Nuclear engineering.
• Ocean engineering.
• Operations research.
• Petroleum engineering.
• Polymer and plastics engineering.
• Surveying engineering.
• Systems engineering.
• Textile sciences and engineering.

Engineering Technologies

Relevant technology-related areas include:

• Drafting and design technology.
• Electrical, electronic, and communications engineering technology.
• General engineering technologies.
• Industrial production technologies.
• Instrumentation technology.
• Mining and petroleum technologies.
• Nanotechnology.
• Quality control and safety technologies.

Physical Sciences

Students studying physical sciences may also be eligible, with listed areas including:

• Astronomy and astrophysics.
• Atmospheric sciences and meteorology.
• Chemistry.
• Geological and earth sciences.
• Hydrology and water resources science.
• Materials science.
• Physics.

The extensive list demonstrates that the position is multidisciplinary and is not restricted exclusively to aerospace engineering students.

Who Can Apply?

According to the opportunity listing, eligible applicants must be students and must meet NASA’s stated citizenship and academic-level requirements.

The listed academic levels include:

• Undergraduate freshmen.
• Undergraduate sophomores.
• Undergraduate juniors.
• Undergraduate seniors.
• Graduate students pursuing a master’s degree.

The NASA internship description also states that its educational hands-on internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students aged 16 and above.

The opportunity specifically lists U.S. citizenship as a requirement.

Therefore, applicants should carefully confirm their citizenship and academic eligibility before beginning the application process.

Countries and Geographic Eligibility

This particular opportunity is not open globally.

The listing specifically states:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only

Applicants therefore need to be U.S. citizens to qualify for this specific Texas Aerospace Scholars position.

The work location is Houston, Texas, at NASA Johnson Space Center, and the position is in-person.

International applicants who are not U.S. citizens should therefore not assume that they can apply simply because they meet the academic or professional requirements.

NASA maintains separate eligibility requirements for different internship programs, so prospective applicants should always review the eligibility information attached to the specific opportunity they are applying for.

Race and Ethnicity Eligibility

The opportunity listing provided does not specify a race, ethnicity, or racial group as an eligibility requirement.

Accordingly, no race-specific eligibility restriction is stated in the opportunity description.

The clearly stated nationality requirement is U.S. citizenship, together with the academic and student requirements described in the listing.

Applicants should rely on the official NASA application information for the authoritative eligibility requirements.

Why the Research Brief Component Matters

The research briefs are not simply administrative documents. According to the opportunity description, they are intended to give Texas Aerospace Scholars students structured, NASA-focused research opportunities.

The materials will help students:

• Explore NASA-related scientific and technical topics.
• Understand aspects of human space exploration.
• Connect classroom learning with real-world aerospace objectives.
• Investigate Moon-to-Mars exploration concepts.
• Develop research and analytical skills.
• Explore potential aerospace and STEM career pathways.

This means the intern’s work can have an educational impact beyond the immediate internship.

By producing accessible and well-researched materials, the selected student will contribute to how younger learners encounter NASA’s exploration objectives.

A Strong Opportunity for Communication and STEM Students

One of the distinctive features of this position is its combination of communications and STEM.

A communication or journalism student does not necessarily need to be an aerospace engineer to see the relevance of the opportunity. The position specifically requires someone who can research technical information and communicate it effectively to a younger audience.

Likewise, an engineering, physics, astronomy, chemistry, or other STEM student with strong writing and communication abilities may find the role particularly valuable.

The position therefore sits at the intersection of the following:

1. Science communication.
2. STEM education.
3. Aerospace exploration.
4. Technical writing.
5. Research.
6. Educational content development.
7. Digital communication.
8. Graphic design.
9. Student engagement.
10. NASA mission education.

How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Application

Prospective applicants should carefully demonstrate how their academic background, technical abilities, communication experience, and interest in NASA or STEM education align with the responsibilities of the position.

Useful areas to emphasize include:

Demonstrate Research Ability

Applicants should highlight academic research projects, research papers, independent projects, laboratory work, or other experiences that demonstrate their ability to find, evaluate, organize, and communicate information.

Highlight Writing Experience

Writing experience can come from academic papers, journalism, newsletters, blogs, reports, educational materials, research publications, communications work, or other relevant projects.

Show Experience Explaining Complex Ideas

Applicants should provide examples of situations where they translated technical, scientific, academic, or specialized information into language that a broader audience could understand.

Demonstrate Editing Skills

Proofreading, editing, content review, quality assurance, and publication experience can all demonstrate suitability for a role that involves developing professional research briefs and educational materials.

Mention Digital and Design Skills

Applicants with experience in graphic design, digital content creation, visual communication, presentation design, or educational media should make those capabilities clear.

Highlight Teamwork

Examples of successful collaboration with lecturers, researchers, colleagues, student groups, mentors, technical experts, or project teams can strengthen an application.

Demonstrate Organization

Because the position involves multiple deliverables and projects, applicants should demonstrate their ability to organize deadlines, prioritize assignments, and manage competing responsibilities.

Connect Your Background to STEM or Aerospace

Applicants with experience in STEM education, aerospace, NASA-related activities, science communication, engineering projects, robotics, space science, or related areas should clearly demonstrate this connection.

Application Timeline

The registration period for this opportunity is:

Registration Opens: June 12, 2026

Application Deadline: September 14, 2026

Program Session: Spring 2027

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. Preparing application materials in advance can allow sufficient time to review eligibility requirements, academic information, supporting materials, and other application details.

Opportunity Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Opportunity	Texas Aerospace Scholars – Research Brief Development Intern
Opportunity ID	025512
NASA Center	Johnson Space Center
Location	Houston, Texas
Session	Spring 2027
Format	In-person
Schedule	Full-time
Working Hours	8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Weekly Hours	40 hours
Eligible Academic Levels	Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; Graduate Master’s
Citizenship	U.S. citizens only
Registration Opens	June 12, 2026
Deadline	September 14, 2026
Primary Focus	Research briefs and educational content development
Major Deliverables	5–7 comprehensive two-page research briefs
Key Theme	NASA Moon-to-Mars exploration objectives
Engagement Type	Internship

How to Apply

Interested applicants should review the official NASA STEM Gateway listing and use the application process provided by NASA.

The opportunity is listed on the NASA STEM Gateway, where applicants can explore NASA STEM opportunities and access the relevant application information.

Applicants should search for the opportunity titled “Texas Aerospace Scholars – Research Brief Development Intern” and reference ID 025512 when reviewing the listing.

For general NASA internship information, applicants can also visit NASA Internships.

APPLY HERE

Important Points Applicants Should Check Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should carefully confirm that they:

1. Are a student at an eligible academic level.
2. Meet the U.S. citizenship requirement.
3. Can participate in an in-person program in Houston, Texas.
4. Can commit to the full-time schedule of 40 hours per week.
5. Have the required academic background or a closely related field.
6. Can demonstrate strong writing, editing, communication, research, or technical skills.
7. Are comfortable working on multiple projects.
8. Can collaborate with mentors and subject matter experts.
9. Can communicate technical or scientific concepts to younger audiences.
10. Can meet the September 14, 2026 registration deadline.

The Potential Career Value of the Opportunity

Participation in a NASA-related educational and research environment can provide valuable exposure to the professional standards associated with one of the world’s most recognized space agencies.

For students interested in communications, journalism, education, engineering, physical sciences, aerospace, or STEM outreach, the position can provide practical experience that complements classroom learning.

The experience is particularly relevant to students considering future careers in areas such as the following:

• Aerospace and space exploration.
• Science communication.
• STEM education.
• Technical writing.
• Educational technology.
• Engineering.
• Research.
• Space science.
• Public communication.
• Digital content development.
• Curriculum development.
• Scientific outreach.
• Program coordination.

The opportunity also demonstrates how modern aerospace programs require professionals who can communicate scientific and technical information effectively to diverse audiences.

Visit HERE for more information about the Texas Aerospace Scholars Research Brief Development Opportunity at NASA Johnson Space Center.

Final Thoughts

The Texas Aerospace Scholars – Research Brief Development opportunity at NASA Johnson Space Center offers students the chance to combine research, writing, education, communication, and STEM interests in a professional NASA environment.

The selected intern will play a practical role in developing 5–7 research briefs connected to NASA’s Moon-to-Mars exploration objectives and designed to provide high school students with structured research opportunities. The role also includes developing educational content, contributing to newsletters and digital platforms, supporting engagement events, collaborating with mentors and subject matter experts, and assisting with special projects.

With the position based full-time and in person at Johnson Space Center in Houston, it is particularly suited to eligible students who can commit to the required schedule and who are interested in gaining practical experience at the intersection of aerospace exploration and education.

Interested applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, particularly the U.S. citizenship requirement, academic-level requirements, in-person work arrangement, and the September 14, 2026, deadline.

For the official opportunity information and application process, visit NASA STEM Gateway and search for Texas Aerospace Scholars – Research Brief Development Intern, ID 025512.

For more global Internship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.