What are your accomplishments so far?

So far, I’ve developed vibration reducing gaskets for use on the xPLSS in order to reduce the amount of sound it creates when active on the new xEMU. I’ve designed and fabricated them, the only wait now is design validation via use of a testing sta

nd. On top of that, I’ve also been doing material research with a focus on finding materials that can be used to lighten the xEMU for future Mars missions. Like the gaskets, I’ve already designed all of the samples, I’m just waiting on procurement.

What are your goals?

My goal is validating all my projects and getting useful data that proves our hypothesis on each item. I also want to continue to get to know the other programs and look into further expanding what I’m involved in.

What is an impact of this internship?

I already have some opportunities for the summer, so continued employment is a valid option. I never thought I’d be working at NASA, and expanding on that, I never thought I’d be actually capable of doing so. I now see that the skills I have gained up to this internship are very useful and make me capable of doing what I thought I couldn’t.