Mission
First Space Mission for JPL Intern Turned NASA Astronaut
When:
Wednesday, April 27 - Friday, September 30Where:
NASA's Kennedy Space Center, FloridaTarget Audience:
General PublicOverview:
Jessica Watkins, a former JPL intern turned NASA astronaut, made her first trip to the International Space Station as part of the agency's SpaceX Crew 4 mission. The mission marks the fourth crew rotation to the ISS for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, a partnership with Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to the space station.
Watkins is joined by NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren and Bob Hines as well as European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. The crew made their way to the ISS aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, which launched on a Falcon 9 rocket in the early morning of April 27. Now aboard the ISS, the crew will spend several months conducting science experiments and maintenance before returning to Earth in the fall of 2022.
For the latest mission updates, visit the NASA Commercial Crew Program blog.
Watch NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 astronauts arrive at the International Space Station aboard their Dragon spacecraft Freedom. For the latest mission updates, visit the NASA Commercial Crew Program blog
Learn more about Jessica Watkins and JPL's internship programs and explore educational resources including engineering projects and science experiments related to living in space at the links below.
Education Resources
Articles
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Former JPL Interns Graduate From NASA Astronaut Class
Three former interns of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have joined the agency’s Astronaut Corps.
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So You Want to Be an Astronaut?
Here's what it takes to be a NASA astronaut, and how can set yourself on the right trajectory while you're still in school.
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How to Get an Internship at JPL
Whether you're looking for a career in STEM or space exploration, this three-part series will cover everything you need to know about the world of internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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All AudiencesBlog: Meet JPL Interns
Hear stories from interns pushing the boundaries of space exploration and science at the leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system.
Student Projects
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Imagine You're an Astronaut
Imagine you and your family are astronauts orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station. How would you adapt to the challenges and keep doing important routines, like exercising, learning and taking time for fun?
Subject Science
Grades K-5
Time 30-60 mins
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How Far Away Is Space?
Stack coins and use your measurement skills to figure out the scale distance from Earth's surface to space.
Subject Math
Grades 3-7
Time 30-60 mins
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Make an Astronaut Lander
Design and build a lander that will protect two "astronauts" when they touch down.
Subject Engineering
Grades 3-8
Time 30-60 mins
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Make a Water Filter
Using materials from around your home, build a device that can clean a dirty water sample like the water filtration system on the International Space Station.
Subject Engineering
Grades 5-12
Time 1-2 hrs
Educator Guides
Opportunities
Explore More:
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- JPL Lecture Series
- JPL Newsletter
- JPL News
- People of NASA