NASA mentor supports Rice University student on deorbit work

NASA said in an announcement published Tuesday 27 October 2026 that Rice University student Malvika Bhardwaj is developing tools for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle while interning with the Guidance, Navigation & Control team at Johnson Space Center. NASA marked National Mentoring Day on Oct. 27.

Bhardwaj studies computational and applied mathematics at Rice University. Her team focuses on how spacecraft determine their position and maneuver in orbit. Her tools analyze thruster firings on the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, which NASA plans to use to safely deorbit the International Space Station at the end of its operational life.

Bhardwaj also uses computer simulations to test the vehicle’s control system and identify conditions under which it could fail. She said Daniel Cohen introduced her to the team and included her in conversations and meetings. She said the experience showed her how team members help one another and keep the unit moving forward.

Cohen is a Guidance, Navigation & Control engineer at Johnson. He began his NASA career as a flight operations intern in 2020 and later held internships in docking dynamics, propulsion systems, and GN&C analysis. He joined Johnson as a full-time engineer in August 2024.

Cohen develops simulations and models for studies of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. He analyzes its control algorithms and GN&C performance, evaluates SpaceX’s design at multiple life-cycle reviews, and studies settings for the Orion spacecraft’s docking camera. He also sets aside a couple of hours each week to teach interns orbital mechanics and control systems.

Bhardwaj said her internship showed her that problem-solving is rarely an individual effort and that team members need to understand how their work connects to a larger project. She completed her first project, a set of analysis tools built from scratch. Her advice to students interested in NASA internships was to apply even if they do not feel fully prepared, trust their ability to navigate new environments, and remember that much of the learning happens on the job.