The LPI Summer Intern Program is an in-person summer internship focused on planetary science and related research areas. Selected interns must attend scheduled program activities, including orientation, seminars, professional development sessions, tours of NASA Johnson Space Center, and the final summer intern symposium.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program offers an in-person internship from June 7 to August 13, 2027. Applicants must complete the online application in English and submit the required supporting materials by December 14, 2026.

Who Can Apply

• Undergraduate students with at least 50 undergraduate credit hours applicable to their degree program
• Students who can complete the application in English
• Applicants who can participate in the full program period from June 7 through August 13, 2027
• Applicants able to comply with applicable health and safety protocols
• Applicants who can provide at least two letters of recommendation through the online application system
• Applicants who can meet applicable U.S. immigration, security, and access requirements

Fields of Study

Planetary science and related scientific or technical fields represented among the program’s available research areas.

Value

• In-person summer internship experience at the Lunar and Planetary Institute
• Participation in planetary science seminars and professional development activities
• Tours of NASA Johnson Space Center
• Presentation opportunity at the Final Summer Intern Symposium

Selection Criteria

• Academic background, current major, grade point average, and undergraduate coursework
• Alignment between the applicant’s interests and the program’s available research areas
• Relevant work experience, research experience, technical training, computer skills, programming, or instrumentation experience
• Academic goals, career plans, scientific interests, and motivation for participating
• Letters of recommendation submitted through the online application system
• Successful completion of the required phone interview
• Completion of applicable background investigation, access control, and international visitor approval requirements

Required Documents

• Curriculum vitae in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 10 MB
• A minimum of two and a maximum of three letters of recommendation submitted in English through the online application system
• Information about relevant work experience, research experience, technical training, computer skills, and programming
• A biographical sketch
• A description of academic goals, career plans, and scientific interests
• A summary explaining the applicant’s interest in participating in the program

How to Apply

Complete the online application form in English at the official LPI application page. Applicants must select and rank three research interest areas, upload a PDF CV, and provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders. Recommendation letters must be submitted through the application system by the deadline; letters sent by email or submitted late will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

December 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time

Apply via the official page: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern/app/application_form

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