UNSGC Student, Boston John, Interns at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Boston John, summer 2025 internship at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Boston John, an undergraduate student in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University, was selected and supported by the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium for a prestigious summer internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.
During his internship from June to August 2025, Boston worked on a cutting-edge aerospace project aimed at advancing flight capabilities for future Mars exploration missions. His primary focus was on refactoring the trim algorithm used in flight simulations of Chopper—the next-generation Mars hexacopter currently in development at JPL.
This vehicle builds on the legacy of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, the first rotorcraft to fly on another planet as part of the Perseverance rover mission. Ingenuity’s groundbreaking success opened the door for Chopper and its scientific mission to explore the Grand Canyon of Mars, Valles Marineris. This region contains evidence of water and holds immense geological interest, making it a prime location for future exploration.
In addition to contributing to the Chopper project, Boston’s internship provided many memorable experiences for him. Boston had the chance to tour a wide variety of cutting-edge facilities at JPL, including thermal vacuum chambers, advanced lithography labs, and the Mars Yard. These experiences provided him with a deeper understanding of JPL and space exploration in general.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Boston’s internship was the support he received from his JPL team. Boston worked closely with mentors who were highly invested in his success over the summer. Additionally, his fellow interns were incredibly supportive and willing to help each other out at any moment, and Boston noted it was xxx to see interns from a wide range of backgrounds.
“This internship was transformative for me. Contributing to an advanced program like Chopper has given me the confidence to pursue advanced roles in the aerospace industry and strengthened my passion for space exploration. I am grateful for the opportunity to work at JPL provided to me by the Utah Space Grant Consortium.” — Boston John, UNSGC summer intern, 2025
Boston John tours facilities at NASA JPL
Boston John, summer 2025 internship at NASA JPL
