NASA profile describes students’ models for lunar propellant measurements
NASA’s October 26 account describes a high-school SEES team using public mission data to investigate when a lunar lander could measure propellant reliably.
What the record says
NASA’s October 26 account profiles a summer 2026 team in the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science internship program at the University of Texas Center for Space Research. The MATRIX team used public Intuitive Machines mission data and NASA trajectory records to model propellant conditions for the planned IM-3 lunar mission. NASA says the students analyzed potential windows for modal propellant gauging, a method that uses a tank’s acoustic response to estimate fuel mass. The team presented its methods to Intuitive Machines engineers and at research meetings. NASA describes SEES as giving students in grades 11 and 12 experience with aerospace data and analytical tools.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read NASA’s profile and the linked SEES program information for the research methods and educational program.
Limits and what is not established
This reports attributed student modeling and presentations, not an independently validated flight result, a completed IM-3 landing or an announcement that internship applications are open.
Sources checked October 27, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
NASA Science: original information