Award-winning NASA Intern Shares Aerospace Aspirations

Jan. 13, 2025 - Gabriel Herrera has completed four NASA internships as an aerospace engineering student at UC Irvine and recently won the NASA Johnson Space Center Pathways Outstanding Intern Award for his excellent contributions. He also helped the UCI Rocket Project Liquids team launch a methalox rocket in 2023. The aspiring astronaut shares about his aerospace journey so far.

How did you get your first internship at NASA?

When I was in my freshman year, I was throwing darts at the wall applying to all sorts of internships. When I applied to NASA, I checked a box to let them contact me for other internships. Time passed and I thought the NASA opportunity was gone, but I got an email that encouraged me to apply for an Office of STEM internship at NASA Johnson Space Center. I was hired for that the summer after my freshman year.

Tell us about your Pathways internships at NASA.

The first internship was working on the Spacecraft Network Systems team in Flight Operations, also known as the PLUTOs. The team manages all the crew computer resources and other IT equipment onboard the International Space System. The station is really cool ‘cause there’s a lot of science and diverse projects, but it’s also an office in space.

I developed a platform that allows for flight controllers who work in Johnson Space Center Mission Control Center to submit export control requests and be reviewed. Another project was related to planning standards. Astronauts have a very regimented schedule. Flight control teams create tasks related to their subsystems, which are integrated into a complex timeline. I was looking at ways to utilize the system and tools more effectively.

In my second internship, I conducted pre-flight analysis for Gateway, the space station that will orbit the moon as part of the Artemis program. I also did post-flight analysis for Crew-8 and Crew-9 Dragon missions, conducted finite element modeling for the Orion program, and got experience with vibration testing.

What has helped you be successful in these internships?

My first internship, being I had only finished one year of college, was a very daunting experience. However, that experience gave me the confidence that whatever task I was thrown at, I would be able to achieve it. That stems from always being open to learning, setting up meetings with engineers, asking questions and figuring out what information I needed to be successful and then executing on that.

The acceptance rate for NASA Pathways interns is 5%. Why do you think you were accepted?

I’m glad you asked because it allows me to speak to UCI and the opportunities here. For one, my drive and the commitment that I’ve given to every aspect of college. In my academics, I’ve been very focused and have really enjoyed the classes I’ve taken and have done well academically.

Another big aspect is my experience on The UCI Rocket Project Liquids team. My understanding of what hiring managers are looking for in internship and job candidates is project experience more than just academic performance. The rocket project let me build that experience. I also had completed my two Office of STEM internships at NASA by the time I applied.

Tell us what you did in the UCI Rocket Project Liquids team.

I joined in Spring 2022, my freshman year. I worked on the fins and launch platform, developed multiple test fixtures and was heavily involved in integration for launch in Spring 2023. After launch, I led the R&D for the aerostructure of the next rocket.

That whole experience was amazing - both the test fires and the launches, some of my best memories. So, I really encourage anyone studying engineering to get involved in those projects because it lets you apply what you’re learning in class and grow deeper in that understanding.

How do you manage being a NASA intern with being a student?

I’ve never done both simultaneously. I did my first two internships in the summer. I studied abroad in Spain during fall quarter of my junior year and took winter/spring off to do my first Pathways internship. I returned to UCI that summer and just completed another Pathways internship this fall. I came into college with AP credits so my graduation date has been postponed just two quarters.

(Editor’s Note: UCI has launched an Engineering + Practicum program that allows students to incorporate internships into their student experience with the option of taking internships for credits.)

Your most memorable experience as a NASA intern?

It’s all been a dream come true, but my most memorable experience is sitting in the main mission control room watching Crew-8 docking to the international space station. It was an overnight shift. It was just really cool to see a vehicle dock into the international space station, and the astronauts go out of the hatch and see their fellow astronauts.

I watched "Apollo 13" with my grandmother as a young child where you see a lot of those scenes. Being able to sit in the room for the docking was a surreal experience.

How has your family influenced you?

My family has always encouraged me to pursue whatever my dreams were. They’ve encouraged me to put my all into everything I do. I can attribute my successes to the work ethic they instilled in me.

Any words to new engineering students?

Don’t let yourself be the limiting factor. A lot of times opportunities may seem daunting and you may have imposter syndrome. The best thing you can do is pursue all the opportunities that present themselves. People looking to fill those positions may see something in you. If you want to do research, seek out professors. If you want to do internships, reach out to companies and apply.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

I want to pursue a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and work at NASA. I also want to be an astronaut.

Why do you want to become an astronaut?

It’s about being a part of something greater than myself. Working for NASA, you’re contributing to programs and missions so there’s a feeling of contribution that’s greater than any single person. Also, the expedition aspect speaks to me. I grew up going camping, climbing and doing outdoorsy things. I see space as the final frontier to push the bounds of possibilities. In anything I take a part of, I want to be the best version of myself and push what’s possible as far as I can.

- Natalie Tso