If you’re an undergraduate with a passion for planetary science and a desire to explore the universe, the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science offers an incredible opportunity. Based near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, this 10-week program immerses students in the world of planetary science, helping you gain real-world research experience and build a foundation for a future in this fascinating field. Here’s what you need to know about this stellar program.
Program Overview
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The LPI Summer Intern Program invites undergraduates who have completed at least 50 semester hours in fields like physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics to apply. Running from June 2 to August 8, 2025, selected interns work on research projects one-on-one with top scientists from the LPI and NASA Johnson Space Center, creating a rare opportunity to dive into hands-on research.
Key Information –
- Country: USA
- Duration: 10 Weeks
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 12th December 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit are eligible.
- Students with majors in physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are preferred, but all eligible students will be considered.
- Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, or other protected status.
- Selection is based on these criteria:
- Scholarship, curriculum, and experience
- Career objectives and scientific interest
- Match of applicant’s interest with available research projects
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Benefits
- Selected interns will receive up to USD 8056 or INR 6.7 Lakhs in financial support to cover the costs associated with their stay in Houston during the program.
- This amount covers the internship stipend, travel, housing, and cost of living expenses. Housing costs are paid directly to the housing vendor on behalf of the intern from this total.
- Interns who complete the internship program and meet program requirements by submitting an accepted abstract as first author to the upcoming Lunar and Planetary Science Conference are eligible to receive a stipend of up to USD 1,500 or INR 1.3 Lakhs to defray travel expenses.
How to apply?
- You must apply using the online application form.
- Once you begin the application, you must complete all questions on the form, including the essay-style questions.
- To qualify for the program, you must submit at least two (maximum three) letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
- If you are a foreign national and English is not one of your main languages, you must provide proof of English proficiency through one of these accepted methods:
- Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score
- A letter from one of the professors 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
- Deadline – 12th December 2024
- Official link – https://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern/
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Conclusion
If you’ve ever dreamed of working on groundbreaking planetary research, the LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science could be your launchpad. This program is more than an internship—it’s a career-building experience that allows you to work alongside experts, develop professional connections, and make a lasting impact on your field. Don’t miss the chance to kickstart your journey into planetary science and join a legacy of exploration and discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is eligible to apply for the LPI Summer Intern Program?
A. Undergraduate students with at least 50 semester hours in majors like physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are eligible. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.
Q. What does the financial support cover?
A. Interns receive up to $8056 (INR 6.7 Lakhs) to cover travel, housing, and living expenses. Additional support up to $1,500 (INR 1.3 Lakhs) is available for eligible interns presenting at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
Q. What documents are required for the application?
A. Applicants must complete the online application form, submit official transcripts and at least two letters of recommendation, and respond to essay-style questions.
Q. What kind of research projects do interns participate in?
A. Interns work one-on-one with scientists on various projects related to lunar and planetary sciences. The specific projects may vary based on the intern’s interests and the ongoing research at LPI and NASA.
Q. Where will interns work during the program?
A. Interns work at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
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