If you dream of working at one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions, this is your golden opportunity! NASA’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is opening applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Program in the USA, fully funded for undergraduate students from around the world.
The program takes place in Houston, Texas , near NASA’s Johnson Space Center , and is one of the best summer research programs that gives participants a unique opportunity to interact with leading scientists in the fields of space, planetary science, and the solar system.
Details of NASA Summer Training Program 2026
- Organizer: Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) – NASA
- Training location: Houston, USA
- Program duration: From June 1 to August 8, 2026 (10 weeks)
- Target level: Undergraduate students
- Funding: Fully funded
- Application deadline: December 12, 2025
Benefits of funding in NASA’s 2026 training program
This is a fully paid and funded program , where participants receive comprehensive financial support covering all basic expenses during the training period, including:
- A total salary of US$8,056 to cover living, accommodation and travel costs.
- Additional support for international students up to US$1,500 to cover travel costs from abroad.
- Providing suitable accommodation during the training period.
- Additional grants for trainees who submit research papers in the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (up to $1,000 for locals and $1,500 for internationals).
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Goals and benefits of training at NASA
The program aims to develop students’ skills in research and scientific fields, and provide them with practical experience in a real space environment.
Among the most important benefits participants will gain are:
- Gain unique research and practical experience in space and planetary sciences.
- Developing scientific thinking and analytical skills .
- Contacting experts and scientists from NASA.
- Participating in field visits, professional development workshops, and specialized lectures in the field of space science.
Available training fields
The program focuses on a range of scientific and technical fields, most notably:
- Planetary and Solar System Science
- Physics and Astronomy
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Aerospace engineering
Eligibility criteria for applying to the NASA 2026 program
To apply for NASA’s summer internship program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The student must be in university at the time of application.
- To have a strong academic background in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.
- To be able to participate fully throughout the duration of the program (10 weeks).
Required documents for application
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- The complete online application form.
- Three academic letters of recommendation.
- An official copy of the university academic transcript.
- A personal statement explaining the applicant’s motivations for applying and their professional and academic goals.
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Application and Results Timeline
- Applications are now open.
- Application deadline: December 12, 2025 (11:59 PM Central American Time)
- Results announcement: March 2026
- Program start date: June 1, 2026
- Program end date: August 8, 2026
Steps to apply for NASA’s Summer Internship Program 2026
- Access the online application form for the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI).
- Fill in all the required information and answer the article questions.
- Upload academic documents and letters of recommendation before the deadline.
- Make sure you receive a confirmation email containing the order number.
- Wait for the results to be announced in March 2026 and follow the email for official correspondence.
Why choose a summer internship at NASA?
- A unique experience in a real space research environment.
- Direct supervision from scientists and engineers at NASA.
- Developing academic and practical skills in space science and engineering.
- An opportunity to build an international professional network with experts in the field.
Important advice for applicants:
Make sure your personal statement is compelling and reflects your passion for scientific research and space, and highlights how your academic experience can contribute to the success of your project during the training period.
