Synopsis by enewstime: Two Indian-origin students from New Zealand—Shivam Desai and Taran John—have earned prestigious internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California through a government-supported programme by the New Zealand Space Agency. Shivam Desai, a master’s student from the University of Auckland, and Taran John, a PhD candidate from Victoria University, are among seven students selected for the hands-on, three-month internship. While Desai is contributing to antenna deployment systems for small satellites, John is involved in research to enhance astronaut-equipment interaction on Martian and lunar missions. Both students credit their Indian heritage and family support for shaping their academic journey and personal identity.
California/Wellington, July 4: Two promising students of Indian origin, currently studying in New Zealand, have secured prestigious internships at NASA’s renowned Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California—a significant milestone in their budding careers in space science and engineering.
Shivam Desai, a master’s candidate in mechatronics engineering at the University of Auckland, and Taran John, a doctoral researcher in his third year at Victoria University of Wellington, were among seven tertiary students selected through a competitive New Zealand government programme that offers internship placements at NASA.
This international internship initiative, backed by the New Zealand Space Agency, provides selected students with three-month, hands-on opportunities to contribute to real-time NASA projects at JPL, one of the world’s foremost centres for space exploration and innovation.
Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency, expressed pride in the programme’s success, noting that it supports the development of future leaders in aerospace and aligns with national goals to cultivate a technologically skilled workforce.
Desai, 24, who hails from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, said his interest in space was sparked during his high school years.
“A documentary by Neil deGrasse Tyson on gravity and orbital dynamics was a turning point—it really inspired me,” he recalled.
Currently, Desai is contributing to the design of antenna deployment systems for small satellite missions at JPL. Based in New Lynn, he credited his parents for helping him remain connected to his Indian roots.
“We visit India regularly. Much of our extended family still lives there,” said Desai, who moved to New Zealand as a baby.
Taran John, born in Bengaluru and originally from Kerala, is assisting JPL scientists in developing techniques for sampling on the Moon and Mars. His research centres on enhancing the way astronauts interact with their equipment to improve mission efficiency.
“JPL has been behind many of NASA’s iconic accomplishments. Working here means being surrounded by top-tier experts and cutting-edge technology—it’s an incredibly inspiring environment,” John said.
Although raised in Lower Hutt, John proudly embraces his Indian identity.
“There’s a vibrant Malayali community in Wellington. Growing up in that environment helped me stay connected to my cultural heritage,” he shared. (Edited)
