An exciting opportunity for undergraduates who have completed at least 50 hours of credit to participate in cutting-edge research for 10 weeks at The Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas, USA. Students with majors in physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are preferred, but all eligible students will be considered. The 10-week program runs from June 1–August 7, 2026. Summer interns will work one-on-one with a scientist from the LPI or the NASA Johnson Space Center on a research project.
About LIP
The LPI is located near the NASA Johnson Space Center on the southeast side of Houston, Texas. It provides leadership in the scientific community for research in lunar, planetary, and solar system sciences and links with related terrestrial programs. The internships are funded through NASA’s Support for Planetary Sample Science.
Program overview
The LPI Summer Internship Program in Planetary Science offers undergraduate students excellent opportunity to engage in advanced research, collaborate with renowned planetary scientists, and explore exciting career paths in the field. During the 10-week internship, students conduct meaningful research and participate in enrichment activities, including lectures and career development workshops.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Developing new skills and refining others
- Meeting and working with professionals
- Establishing contacts for letters of reference and networking
- Experiencing a new work environment
Many of today’s leading planetary scientists are former participants of the LPI Summer Internship Program. Every career has a starting point, and we invite you to begin your journey with us.
Eligibility| Who can apply?
- Candidates from all over the world and the USA are welcome to apply.
- Applicants must be undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit.
- Students with majors in physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are preferred, but all eligible students will be considered.
- Participants must have an excellent command of English.
- Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, or other protected status.
The selection process is based on the following criteria:
- Academic performance, coursework, and relevant experience.
- Career goals and scientific interests.
- Alignment between the applicant's interests and available research projects.
Financial Support
- Selected interns will receive at least $13,351 in financial support to cover expenses related to their stay in Houston during the program. This amount includes the internship stipend, as well as travel, housing, and living costs. Housing expenses are paid directly to the housing provider on behalf of the intern from this total.
- Interns who successfully complete the program and fulfil the requirements by submitting an accepted first-author abstract to the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Science Conference may qualify for a stipend of up to $1,500 to help cover travel expenses.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the program, you are required to submit the following items:
- At least two recommendation letters (maximum of 3), to submit via the online application.
- If you are a foreign national, you must provide current proof of English proficiency, like TOEFL, IELTS, or A letter from a professor in the English department at your college confirming that you have sufficient spoken and written English language skills to successfully participate in the internship program.
Important: Both official hard copies and electronic transcripts are acceptable. Unofficial transcripts from applicants will not be considered. Official electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the college or its vendors to internprogram@lpi.usra.edu. Be sure to include your application number in the address provided to your registrar.
Timetable
Application Deadline: 12th of December 2025
Notification of selections: March 2026
Program Begins: 1st of June 2026
LPI Summer Intern Conference: 5th of August 2026
Program Ends: 7th of August 2026
Departure: 8th of August 2026
Important: Students will be notified of their selection status by March 2026. A response from the selected student is required within two days of receiving the offer. The offer will be rescinded if there is no response within that timeframe.
How to Apply?
You will need to apply using the online application form. Paper applications will not be accepted. All answers and the materials must be in English.
More Details
For more details about the LPI Summer intern program 2026, check the Lunar and Planetary Institute website from HERE
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