NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is busy with 40 missions however it has another on the horizon this month, mentoring Aboriginal students on their journey to space.

Five Indigenous students and budding astronauts will blast off for a 10-week internship at NASA's JPL, as part of Monash University's National Indigenous Space Academy (NISA).

Supported by the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO, the cohort will gain rare hands-on experience working on some of NASA's most exciting projects alongside top scientists and engineers.

The selected interns are: Carl Goodwin (Gamilaroi) from Monash University, pursuing a Master's in Artificial Intelligence, David Corporal (Eastern Arrernte) from QUT, studying a Master of Engineering, Jordan McGrath (Lunga Kija) from Griffith University, focusing on aerospace engineering, Renee Wootten (Tharawal) from the University of Sydney, specializing in environmental science and Lucy Barr (Palawa) from the University of Tasmania, majoring in astrophysics.

Professor Chris Lawrence, Associate Dean (Indigenous) at Monash University's Faculties of Engineering and IT, said he was thrilled for the students.

"These outstanding Indigenous STEM students will be involved in cutting-edge NASA/JPL projects, from ocean exploration vehicles to studying microorganisms on the International Space Station," Professor Lawrence said.

"Empowering our Indigenous youth to learn from the best in the world is phenomenal. We dream of NISA one day producing the world's first Aboriginal astronaut."

Each intern will dive into a unique project at NASA's JPL research institute, where they will be paired with experienced mentors and work on cutting-edge missions.

Proud Gamilaroi man from Brisbane, Mr Goodwin will be analysing spectral data captured by NASA's Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) mission aboard the International Space Station.

"I am really excited to apply my AI and machine learning knowledge for research in the space sector," Mr Goodwin said.

"Apart from working with world-leading space scientists this is also a great opportunity for me to interact and work with other like-minded Indigenous people.

"Our people are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, (STEM), and programs like NISA are providing valuable stepping stones for First Nations students in this sector."

The dream to becoming an astronaut is also closer for Eastern Arrente man David Corporal too.

The 27-year-old QUT engineering master's student, who was announced Engineer of the Year Award in the Australian Space Awards earlier this year, and his impending trip to California is the continuation of a journey towards space that began more than 10 years ago, when he was inspired by online videos of Chris Hadfield, the then-commander of the International Space Station.

"Being immersed amongst, and learning from, some of the smartest people in the world at JPL is going to be an extraordinary experience and a great privilege for me," he said.

"Space exploration is the ultimate frontier, and my passion is being able to push this frontier by helping overcome the engineering challenges we face.

"Throughout my journey, I have been grateful to have the support of my family and many others, and now NISA and QUT as well."

QUT will host Australia's first Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture, with courses to be offered in 2025, building on the university's strong foundations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research and partnerships.

Before heading to NASA, the 2024 interns undergo Monash's 'Space Boot Camp,' an intensive program designed to prepare them for their roles at JPL.

The camp covers a broad range of topics, including aerodynamics, robotics, and planetary science, offering a comprehensive introduction to space exploration.

CSIRO joined NISA as a new partner this year, launching a scholarship program to support Indigenous STEM researchers.

Taylor Bamin, a Gamilaraay woman and CSIRO's Indigenous Talent Manager, said the collaboration was a major leap forward to foster innovation.

"These scholarships are an important step in supporting the work of the National Indigenous Space Academy and building a community of Indigenous STEM professionals who are global leaders in their fields," she said.

"Being able to support Indigenous Australian university students to participate in this extraordinary program is one way we can champion STEM careers and drive innovation for the benefit of Australia."