The Lucy Mission encounter badges I designed during my internship.
Five Things I Learned as a NASA Lucy Mission Intern
- graphic design, science
My 15-week journey as a public outreach intern at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, CO, over the summer of 2023, was an exciting and life-changing experience that offered me invaluable insights into the world of space exploration and public communication. The NASA Lucy Mission, aimed at studying Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, presented unique challenges and opportunities. Here, I share the top five things I learned during my internship.
1. The Art of Simplifying Complex Science
One of the primary challenges when it comes to outreach for space missions is making the intricate science accessible to the general public. I learned the importance of storytelling in science, using metaphors and analogies to convey complex concepts. It was crucial to strike a balance between accuracy and simplicity, ensuring that the essence of the information was not lost in the process of simplification.
Top view of the Lucy Mission encounter badges I designed during my internship.
2. The Impact of Visual Storytelling in Science
During my internship, a standout experience was the opportunity to create commemorative encounter badges for each of Lucy‘s asteroid encounters. This task was not just about design; it was about storytelling. Each badge I crafted served as a visual narrative of the respective asteroid. Through this process, I learned the critical role of visual communication in science. It was enlightening to see how effective and engaging imagery can transform complex ideas into relatable and captivating concepts for the public. This experience underscored how visual elements can bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general audience, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of space missions.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
My role in the Lucy Mission provided me with the unique opportunity to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, encompassing engineers, scientists, and fellow graphic designers. This environment was a fertile ground for learning the true value of teamwork across different fields. Conducting granular interviews—perhaps most notably with renowned planetary scientist Dr. Jim Bell—was a remarkable aspect of my internship. Engaging with experts from various disciplines highlighted the necessity of effective communication and mutual understanding in managing and successfully executing a project as complex and multifaceted as the Lucy Mission.
The poster I created for Ringo Starr's asteroid.
4. Blending Art with Science
Among the various projects I undertook during my internship, designing a poster for Ringo Starr, dedicated to the asteroid named after him, stands out as a particularly fun and enlightening experience. This endeavor was more than just a design assignment; it was a journey that merged my passion for art with my fascination for science. In creating this poster, I learned the delicate art of balancing information with aesthetic appeal, crafting a piece that was both educational and visually striking. This project taught me the unique power of artistic expression in communicating scientific concepts, especially when it intersects with elements of popular culture—such as an absolutely legendary music icon. The honor of contributing to this blend of pop culture and space science was not only a highlight of my internship but also a profound lesson in how art can be a compelling vehicle for scientific storytelling.
Top view of the poster I created for Ringo Starr's asteroid.
5. Crafting a Visual Narrative
A pivotal role I embraced during my internship was serving as a video editor for a public outreach project. This task involved compiling and stitching together footage of Lucy‘s launch and key moments from her journey thus far. Through this process, I learned the profound impact of video editing in storytelling, especially in a scientific context. I discovered how editing is not just about cutting and joining clips; it’s an art form that weaves together a narrative, bringing life to the mission’s journey and making it accessible and engaging to a wider audience. This experience taught me the importance of timing, rhythm, and visual flow in creating compelling narratives that capture the essence of a space mission. It underscored the role of multimedia in public outreach, demonstrating how effectively crafted video content can ignite curiosity and fascination about space exploration.
Clips from the video project I edited.
As I look back, I realize that these experiences have not only equipped me with a unique set of skills but have also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the intricate interworking of science and communication. This internship was more than a stepping stone in my career; it was a transformative experience that has reshaped my understanding of what it means to engage the public in the wonders of space exploration. The lessons I learned here will undoubtedly guide me in my future endeavors, as I continue to explore the fascinating intersection of science, art, and storytelling.