Student over moon with space scholarship

Mechatronics Engineering masters student Shivam Desai has dreamt of putting New Zealand on the map in space research.

The 24-year-old is now stepping into that sphere, after receiving a New Zealand Space Scholarship that will mean he becomes an intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California.

He is one of seven university students from across Aotearoa New Zealand awarded the scholarship, which was presented by Space Minister Hon Judith Collins KC at a ceremony at Parliament on 5 June.

Raised in west Auckland, Desai attended Avondale College before finishing in 2019. It was during his undergraduate studies at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland that he first heard about the scholarship.

“I actually came to know about the scholarship through a family friend in my third year, when I wasn’t eligible to apply,” he says. “But I made sure to keep an eye out for applications for the year after, that’s when I actually got it.”

Desai will depart for the US on 20 June to begin a three-month internship at JPL, where he’ll work alongside scientists and engineers involved in world-leading NASA missions. His focus will be on research into cutting-edge 'foldable structures used in space.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Desai says. “As someone who’s really into space, who has always dreamt of contributing to space and putting New Zealand on the global stage, this is the best way to do that. I’m grateful to be chosen.”

The other recipients will contribute to a range of projects, from deep space communications, the Big Bang and the early universe to mission analysis.

Desai’s masters research focuses on developing hardware and software for the on-board computer system of CubeSats, integrating it with other systems to be used in future missions by the University’s Space Institute, Te Pūnaha Ātea.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Collins said the internships would equip students with real-world skills to kick-start careers in New Zealand’s fast-growing space industry.

“These scholarships, along with the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, help us encourage the next generation of talent to ensure we have an aerospace-capable workforce.”