NASA Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern 2027: Apply for a Hands-On Undergraduate Research Internship at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA is offering an exciting Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern opportunity for students interested in materials engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, laboratory research, coatings, vacuum systems, and the technologies needed to support future lunar exploration. Based at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, this full-time, in-person internship provides students with the opportunity to contribute to research addressing one of the important technical challenges associated with operating on the Moon: lunar dust.

The internship is part of NASA’s Spring 2027 intern session and will involve hands-on laboratory work alongside NASA personnel. Students will assist with the development, characterization, and testing of passive coatings designed to reduce the adhesion of lunar dust to surfaces.

The deadline to register is September 14, 2026.

About the NASA Lunar Dust Mitigation Internship

Lunar dust presents a significant challenge for future Moon missions. The Moon’s surface is covered by extremely fine particles of lunar regolith, and these particles can be abrasive, electrically charged, and difficult to control.

Lunar dust can interfere with mission operations in several ways. It can reduce visibility, change the optical properties of surfaces and equipment, and interfere with mission-critical components. Because future lunar exploration will involve increasingly complex spacecraft, instruments, habitats, vehicles, and other equipment operating on or around the lunar surface, developing effective approaches to managing lunar dust is an important area of research.

NASA is therefore investigating passive lunar dust mitigation coatings. These coatings are intended to reduce the amount of lunar dust that adheres to surfaces without requiring external electrical power or continuous human interaction.

The selected intern will assist NASA personnel in developing these coatings and evaluating how well they perform under environmental conditions relevant to lunar missions.

What the Intern Will Work On

The internship is designed to provide substantial hands-on laboratory experience. The intern will work with NASA personnel on research related to the development and testing of materials intended to mitigate lunar dust.

Depending on the specific research activities assigned, the work may include:

• Depositing coatings onto surfaces using sputter deposition.
• Characterizing the physical and material properties of coating materials.
• Testing coating performance.
• Conducting experiments under environmental conditions that simulate aspects of the lunar environment.
• Using vacuum chambers to evaluate coating behavior.
• Performing laboratory experiments and recording results.
• Supporting materials research and experimental investigations.
• Conducting some desk-based and computer-related work associated with laboratory research.
• Assisting with the analysis and interpretation of experimental results.

The work is expected to combine practical laboratory activities with research, experimentation, documentation, and computer-based tasks.

Why Lunar Dust Mitigation Matters

Lunar dust is fundamentally different from ordinary dust encountered on Earth. Its fine particles can be highly abrasive and can become electrically charged, allowing them to adhere to surfaces and potentially spread to areas where they can cause operational problems.

For future lunar missions, dust mitigation could be important for protecting:

• Scientific instruments
• Optical systems
• Sensors
• Mechanical components
• Spacecraft surfaces
• Lunar vehicles
• Habitats
• Spacesuits and equipment
• Mission-critical hardware

NASA’s research into passive coatings is particularly significant because a passive solution could potentially reduce dust adhesion without requiring additional power or constant intervention.

This makes materials research an important part of preparing technologies for sustained lunar exploration.

Hands-On Laboratory Research Experience

One of the major features of this NASA internship is its emphasis on hands-on laboratory experience.

Rather than being exclusively desk-based, the intern will participate in practical research activities involving coating deposition, materials characterization, experimentation, and testing.

Students may gain exposure to laboratory procedures involving:

1. Coating deposition
   The intern may assist with depositing specialized coatings onto surfaces using techniques such as sputtering.
2. Materials characterization
   Students may investigate the properties and performance of materials using microscopy, spectroscopy, or other characterization techniques.
3. Vacuum systems
   The work may involve vacuum chambers and high-vacuum systems used to simulate environmental conditions relevant to space.
4. Experimental design
   Interns may contribute to planning experiments, defining test conditions, collecting observations, and evaluating results.
5. Performance testing
   Coatings will need to be tested to determine whether they can effectively reduce the adhesion or effects of lunar dust.

This combination makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students who want practical research experience in engineering, materials science, or space-related technology.

Preferred Skills and Experience

NASA identifies several skills and areas of experience that would be advantageous for applicants.

Preferred experience includes:

• Materials engineering
• Laboratory research
• Materials characterization
• Microscopy
• Spectroscopy
• Experimental design
• Vacuum chambers
• Coating deposition
• Materials processing
• Materials characterization testing
• Sputtering
• E-beam deposition
• High-vacuum systems
• Research involving space environments

However, applicants should not be discouraged if they do not possess every skill listed.

NASA specifically notes that prior experience with these specialized techniques is not a requirement because of the unique nature of the work. The most important quality is a willingness to learn.

This is an important consideration for undergraduate students who may have a strong academic foundation but limited exposure to specialized NASA laboratory equipment or lunar-environment research.

Academic Backgrounds Relevant to the Internship

The opportunity lists a broad range of preferred majors, particularly within engineering and physical sciences.

Relevant academic disciplines include:

Engineering

• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
• Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Electromechanical Engineering
• Engineering Chemistry
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Physics
• Applied Physics
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Polymer and Plastics Engineering

Physical Sciences

• Materials Science

The broad range of eligible majors reflects the interdisciplinary nature of lunar dust mitigation research. The work combines principles from materials science, engineering, physics, chemistry, manufacturing, surface science, and space-environment research.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity could be particularly valuable for undergraduate students who are interested in:

• Space exploration
• NASA research
• Lunar missions
• Materials science
• Aerospace engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Materials engineering
• Metallurgy
• Polymer science
• Coatings technology
• Laboratory research
• Vacuum systems
• Experimental design
• Advanced materials
• Space environments

Students who are considering graduate studies or careers involving aerospace research, advanced materials, spacecraft technology, or space systems may also find the experience valuable.

Internship Details

The key details of the NASA Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern opportunity include:

Detail	Information
Opportunity	Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern
ID	025358
Course	Internships – GRC
Engagement Type	Internship
Session	Spring 2027
Applicant Type	Student
Academic Level	Undergraduate Junior or Undergraduate Senior
Format	In-person
Work Schedule	Full-time
Citizenship	US Citizen Only
Location	Cleveland, Ohio
NASA Center	Glenn Research Center (GRC)
Registration Start Date	June 12, 2026
Registration End Date	September 14, 2026

NASA Glenn Research Center

The internship will take place at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio.

NASA Glenn is a major NASA research center with expertise spanning areas of aerospace technology, propulsion, materials, power systems, communications, and other technologies supporting space exploration and aviation.

Working in this environment can give interns exposure to professional research practices and the processes involved in developing and evaluating technologies for demanding aerospace applications.

For a student interested in materials and space technology, an internship at a NASA research center can provide an opportunity to see how academic concepts are applied to real-world engineering and research challenges.

What Students Can Learn

Although the specific activities will depend on the intern’s assignment, the opportunity can provide exposure to several valuable areas of technical and professional development.

These may include:

• Laboratory research methodology
• Materials processing
• Coating technologies
• Materials characterization
• Experimental testing
• Vacuum technology
• High-vacuum systems
• Experimental design
• Scientific data collection
• Research documentation
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration with researchers and engineers
• Working in a professional laboratory environment
• Applying engineering principles to space-related challenges

The internship can therefore help students connect classroom knowledge with practical research.

A Strong Opportunity for Students Interested in Space Technology

Future lunar exploration will require technologies that can function reliably in environments significantly different from those found on Earth. Dust mitigation is one of the many engineering challenges that must be addressed as NASA and its partners work toward increasingly capable lunar missions.

The development of passive coatings represents one potential approach to reducing the effects of lunar dust. By helping investigate these materials, an intern can contribute to research connected to a practical challenge in lunar exploration.

The opportunity also demonstrates how materials engineering can play a direct role in space exploration. Students do not necessarily have to study a degree explicitly titled “space engineering” to contribute to space technology. Materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, and related disciplines can all contribute to solving aerospace problems.

No Specialized Experience Required

One of the most encouraging aspects of this internship is NASA’s statement that specific prior experience is not required.

The work involves specialized techniques, including sputtering, coating deposition, microscopy, spectroscopy, and vacuum systems. However, NASA recognizes that students may not have previously worked with all of these technologies.

Instead, the opportunity emphasizes the importance of being willing to learn.

Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating:

• Genuine interest in the research area
• Strong academic preparation
• Curiosity
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques
• Ability to follow experimental procedures
• Interest in materials and space technology
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to hands-on research

Students with relevant laboratory or engineering experience can highlight it, but lack of experience with every listed technology should not automatically discourage an otherwise suitable applicant.

Application Deadline

The registration deadline is September 14, 2026.

Applicants should complete the registration and application process before the deadline and carefully review all requirements and instructions provided through NASA’s internship system.

Because this is an in-person, full-time opportunity with a specific citizenship requirement, prospective applicants should verify their eligibility before investing significant time in preparing their application.

How to Apply

Interested students should use NASA’s official internship opportunities platform and search for the opportunity using:

Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern
Opportunity ID: 025358
Course: Internships – GRC

The opportunity is associated with NASA’s Spring 2027 internship session.

Applicants should ensure that their academic information, qualifications, experience, and other application details are complete and accurately presented.

For internship information, NASA directs students to its internship platform at intern.nasa.gov.

Tips for a Strong Application

Students applying for this opportunity can strengthen their application by clearly connecting their academic background and interests to the work described in the internship.

Consider highlighting:

1. Relevant coursework

Mention coursework related to materials, engineering, chemistry, physics, mechanics, manufacturing, or other relevant technical areas.

2. Laboratory experience

If you have completed laboratory courses, research projects, university experiments, or independent technical projects, explain what you did and what you learned.

3. Research experience

Describe any research involving materials, coatings, surfaces, environmental testing, characterization, or experimental methods.

4. Technical skills

Clearly identify relevant skills such as microscopy, spectroscopy, experimental design, materials characterization, CAD, laboratory equipment, data analysis, or other applicable technical abilities.

5. Willingness to learn

Because NASA specifically emphasizes willingness to learn, applicants without extensive specialized experience should demonstrate curiosity and adaptability.

6. Interest in lunar exploration

Explain why lunar dust mitigation, space technology, materials research, or NASA’s broader exploration goals interest you.

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Contact Information

For questions concerning NASA internships, the opportunity provides the following engagement contact:

Email: nasa-internships@mail.nasa.gov

Applicants should use the official NASA internship resources for the most current application instructions and requirements.

Visit HERE to learn more about the NASA Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern 2027.

Conclusion

The NASA Lunar Dust Mitigation Intern opportunity offers undergraduate students a chance to participate in hands-on research addressing a genuine engineering challenge associated with future lunar exploration. Based at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, the Spring 2027 internship combines laboratory experimentation with materials research, coating development, characterization, and testing under simulated environmental conditions.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to students studying materials engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, metallurgy, polymer science, ceramics, physics, materials science, and other related disciplines.

While experience with sputtering, microscopy, spectroscopy, vacuum chambers, coatings, or materials characterization is advantageous, NASA makes clear that specialized prior experience is not mandatory. A strong willingness to learn is considered especially important.

With a September 14, 2026 registration deadline, eligible students interested in contributing to technologies for future lunar missions should review the opportunity and submit their applications before the closing date.

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