LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 (Fully Funded) USA | 10 Weeks at NASA Houston
Job Description
LPI Summer Intern Program 2026 offers fully funded 10-week planetary science research internship at Lunar and Planetary Institute/NASA JSC Houston. Stipend $8,056 + housing + travel for international undergraduates (50+ credits). Last date: 12 Dec 2025. Apply now for planetary geology, astrobiology projects.
LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 (Fully Funded) – Houston, USA
Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) offers 10-week fully funded summer internships for undergraduate students in planetary science at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston. Stipend + housing + travel covered. Last date: 12 Dec 2025.
Table of Contents
LPI Summer Intern Program Overview
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program 2026 provides undergraduate students with exceptional research training opportunities in planetary science. Interns work alongside planetary scientists at LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas.
Participants conduct cutting-edge research on topics like planetary geology, astrobiology, planetary atmospheres, exoplanets, and space mission planning. The program is open to international students.
Important Dates for 2026 Program
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 12 December 2025 |
| Admission Decisions | March 2026 |
| Program Duration | 1 June – 7 August 2026 (10 weeks) |
Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | $8,056 total package (covers living expenses) |
| Housing | Provided or covered via stipend |
| Travel Allowance | Domestic: Up to $1,000 International: Up to $1,500 |
| Research Materials | Provided as needed |
| Certificate | LPI/NASA completion certificate |
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Level: Current undergraduate students with minimum 50 semester hours of credit completed.
- Majors: Physical/natural sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related fields preferred.
- International Students: Open to applicants from all countries (no nationality restrictions).
- Commitment: Must be available for full 10-week program (no part-time).
- English Proficiency: Sufficient for research communication (TOEFL/IELTS not required).
How to Apply for LPI Summer Intern 2026
- Visit the official LPI Summer Intern Program website: lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern.
- Review eligibility and prepare required documents:
- Academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable).
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant coursework/projects.
- Personal statement (1-2 pages) on research interests.
- 2-3 Letters of recommendation (faculty/research mentors).
- Complete the online application form before 12 Dec 2025.
- Submit recommenders’ contact info (they upload letters directly).
- Track application status; notifications sent in March 2026.
LPI Summer Internship – Quick FAQs
1. Can international students apply?
Yes, the program is open to undergraduate students from all countries worldwide.
2. Is prior research experience required?
Not mandatory, but relevant coursework, projects, or planetary science interest strengthens applications.
3. When will I know if I’m selected?
Admission decisions are communicated in March 2026 via email.
4. Do I need a US visa?
International interns need J-1 exchange visitor visa (LPI provides invitation letter upon selection).
