Lunar and Planetary Institute Offers Fully Funded Summer Internship for 2026

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is offering a fully funded summer internship program in planetary science for undergraduate students in 2026. This 10-week program, held at either the LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research under the mentorship of leading planetary scientists. The internship is open to both U.S. and international students, and covers travel expenses, housing, and provides a stipend for living expenses.

Internship Details and Financial Support

The LPI Summer Internship 2026 will run from June 1 to August 7, 2026. The program aims to foster the next generation of planetary scientists by providing hands-on research experience and career development opportunities. Interns receive a total of $13,351 in financial support, which includes:

Airfare tickets to and from Houston, Texas A stipend to cover living expenses Housing, with costs directly paid to the vendor

An additional bonus allowance of $1500 is provided to interns who successfully complete the program and meet all requirements.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The LPI internship welcomes applications from undergraduate students worldwide. Key eligibility criteria include:

Completion of at least 50 semester hours of credit. Open to both U.S. citizens and international students.

Applicants are typically majoring in Physical or Natural Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics, although all eligible students are encouraged to apply. The application process requires:

Completion of the online application form. Submission of at least two reference letters (maximum of three). Official transcripts from the applicant's university. Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or a letter from the current institution confirming English language skills.

The deadline for applications is December 12, 2025.

Expert Perspective: The Value of Early Research Experience

Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of planetary science at the California Institute of Technology, emphasizes the importance of such internships for aspiring scientists. "Early research experience is crucial for students considering a career in planetary science," she notes. "Programs like the LPI Summer Internship provide invaluable opportunities to develop research skills, network with experts in the field, and gain a realistic understanding of what a career in planetary science entails. The financial support offered by LPI is particularly important in making these opportunities accessible to students from diverse backgrounds."

Historical and Current Context of STEM Scholarships

Scholarships and internships in STEM fields, particularly those focused on space exploration, have a long and significant history. Following the launch of Sputnik in 1957, the U.S. government invested heavily in STEM education to bolster its scientific and technological capabilities. This investment led to the creation of numerous scholarship programs and research opportunities aimed at attracting and training talented students in these fields. Today, with renewed interest in space exploration driven by both government agencies and private companies, the demand for skilled professionals in planetary science and related fields is growing. Programs like the LPI Summer Internship play a vital role in meeting this demand by providing students with the necessary skills and experience to succeed.

The Broader Impact of LPI's Internship Program

The LPI Summer Internship not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader scientific community. By supporting research in planetary science, the program helps to advance our understanding of the solar system and our place within it. Furthermore, the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that opportunities are available to students from all backgrounds, fostering a more representative and innovative scientific workforce.

Application Information

Interested students are encouraged to apply through the online application form available on the Lunar and Planetary Institute's website. Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements before submitting their materials.