Aerodynamics
Study how gases flow around aircraft, rockets and other vehicles to improve performance, stability and efficiency.
DISCOVER & INNOVATE
Explore Aerospace Research
Discover the research areas shaping the future of aviation and space, then explore programs where students can gain hands-on experience with real researchers, laboratories and missions.
RESEARCH AREAS
What Can You Research in Aerospace?
Aerospace research extends far beyond aircraft and rockets. Researchers work across computing, physics, engineering, biology, materials, robotics and many other disciplines.
Propulsion
Explore rocket engines, jet propulsion, combustion, electric propulsion and other technologies used to generate thrust.
Space Systems
Research spacecraft architecture, satellites, communications, power systems and technologies used beyond Earth.
Autonomy & Robotics
Develop systems that allow aircraft, drones, spacecraft and planetary robots to sense, decide and operate autonomously.
Aerospace Materials
Study lightweight, strong and heat-resistant materials capable of surviving demanding aerospace environments.
Hypersonics
Investigate extremely high-speed flight, where heating, aerodynamics, propulsion and materials interact in complex ways.
Human Spaceflight
Research human performance, life support, spacecraft habitability and technologies needed for long-duration missions.
Orbital Mechanics
Study trajectories, orbital transfers, rendezvous, spacecraft motion and mission-design problems.
Earth Observation
Use satellites, sensors and remote sensing to study Earth's atmosphere, climate, oceans, land and natural systems.
Astrobiology & Planetary Science
Investigate planets, moons, planetary environments and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Sustainable Aviation
Research quieter, cleaner and more energy-efficient aircraft and propulsion systems for future aviation.
Computational Aerospace
Use simulation, numerical methods, data science and high-performance computing to study complex aerospace systems.
GETTING STARTED
How Students Usually Get Into Research
01
Find an Area
Start with a subject that genuinely interests you, such as propulsion, autonomy or planetary science.
02
Learn the Basics
Build foundational skills through courses, personal projects, competitions or technical clubs.
03
Find Researchers
Look at university labs, faculty, research centers and government programs working in that area.
04
Apply or Reach Out
Apply to structured programs or contact researchers professionally about possible student involvement.
FIND RESEARCH
Student Research Opportunities
Explore programs, laboratories and research pathways offered by universities, government agencies and research centers.
RESEARCH DIRECTORY
Programs & Pathways
Showing 10 opportunities
Government
Verified
Multiple Levels
NASA OSTEM Internships
NASA
Student internships that provide hands-on experience contributing to NASA projects alongside scientists, engineers and other professionals.
Student Level
High school through graduate
Format
Internship / project research
Research Center
Verified
Undergraduate / Graduate
JPL Summer Internship Program
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
A 10-week, full-time summer internship where undergraduate and graduate STEM students contribute to research and mission projects at JPL.
Duration
10 weeks
Student Level
Undergraduate & graduate
Research Center
Verified
Undergraduate / Graduate
JPL Visiting Student Research Program
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Research opportunities for students whose academic interests align with ongoing NASA/JPL research and mission work.
Type
Student research
Level
Undergraduate & graduate
National Program
Verified
Undergraduate
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates
U.S. National Science Foundation
REU sites provide undergraduate students with intensive research experiences under the mentorship of faculty and senior researchers across NSF-supported fields.
Level
Undergraduate
Format
Research at host institutions
University
Verified
Undergraduate
MIT AeroAstro Research Opportunities
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT AeroAstro maintains undergraduate research opportunities across autonomy, computing, Earth and space science, systems design and aerospace vehicles.
Program
Undergraduate research
Institution
MIT AeroAstro
Research Center
Verified
Undergraduate / Graduate
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Summer Research Program
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
A summer research program where undergraduate and graduate students contribute to advanced technical projects in a research environment.
Level
Undergraduate & graduate
Format
Summer research
University
Verified
Undergraduate+
Georgia Tech Aerospace Research
Georgia Institute of Technology
Aerospace research spans aerodynamics, propulsion, rotorcraft, computational methods, space systems and flight mechanics.
Institution
Georgia Tech
Path
Faculty & laboratory research
University
Verified
Undergraduate+
Purdue Aerospace Research
Purdue University
Purdue aerospace research includes propulsion, hypersonics, autonomy, structures, dynamics and spacecraft engineering.
Institution
Purdue AAE
Research
Multiple laboratories
Research Center
Verified
Student / Graduate
DLR Aerospace Research
German Aerospace Center
DLR conducts research across aeronautics, space, propulsion, robotics, energy, transportation and emerging technologies.
Location
Germany
Type
National research center
Government
Verified
Graduate
NASA Fellowships
NASA
NASA fellowship programs support graduate-level research training and workforce development in STEM fields connected to NASA missions.
Level
Graduate
Focus
Research training
No research opportunities found
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About research opportunities
Research availability, eligibility, funding and application periods can change. Some university research pages describe laboratories and faculty research rather than guaranteeing open student positions. Always check the official program or lab website and contact the institution directly when necessary.