Dreaming of a summer immersed in real space science, guided by leading researchers, and surrounded by NASA-adjacent labs? The LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 gives undergraduate students the rare chance to contribute to planetary science while building serious career momentum. Hosted in Houston, Texas the heart of U.S. space exploration this paid training experience blends hands-on research, professional workshops, and mentorship. If you’re curious about the Moon, Mars, asteroids, exoplanets, or the tools and data that help us understand them, this internship can be a career-defining launchpad.
Even better, the program is designed to support ambitious students with a structured 10-week timeline and a host location linked to the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and the NASA Johnson Space Center, creating a uniquely inspiring environment for learning and contribution . This guide breaks down everything you need to know to apply with confidence eligibility, benefits, duration, how to stand out, and when to act.
Internship Overview
- Company/Host Organization: Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI)
- Internship Program Name: LPI Summer Internship Program 2026
- Country & City: United States, Houston, Texas
- Duration: 10 weeks, tentatively running June 1–August 7, 2026
- Field/Department: Planetary science and related disciplines (physical sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics)
- Compensation: Paid internship opportunity
- Training & Enrichment: Conferences, professional development workshops, and enrichment activities during the 10-week program
What makes this program stand out is its clear structure and purpose. Across ten weeks, undergraduates join active research efforts and take part in targeted professional development practical training that helps you sharpen technical abilities, understand research methods, and communicate results effectively. The location options at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center add a powerful dose of real-world relevance and networking potential .
About the Host Organization
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is a globally recognized hub for planetary science research, community-building, and education. Based in Houston, LPI supports scientists worldwide through research programs, conferences, and data resources, while cultivating the next generation of researchers through internships and student programs. The LPI Summer Internship Program gives undergraduates unique access to a research ecosystem intertwined with NASA’s exploration priorities especially given the proximity to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston .
In short: if you want your early research experience to be meaningful, collaborative, and mission-inspired, LPI is an excellent place to learn and contribute.
Benefits of the Internship
Here’s what students typically gain from the LPI Summer Internhip Program:
- Paid research experience: Earn while you learn in a competitive, professional setting.
- Clear 10-week schedule: A defined June 1–August 7, 2026 timeframe helps you plan academics, travel, and other summer commitments .
- Mentorship from experts: Work alongside planetary scientists and technical staff on real research questions and data sets.
- Workshops and conferences: Participate in enrichment activities—conferences and professional development workshops are part of the program design .
- Career-ready skills: Improve scientific writing, coding, data analysis, and presentation abilities, with feedback from experienced mentors.
- Networking in Houston: Proximity to LPI and NASA Johnson Space Center offers exposure to a world-class space science community.
- Graduate school and fellowship prep: Strengthen your profile for future opportunities like NASA fellowships, NSF REUs, or graduate programs.
Note: Funding details and perks can vary year-to-year. The program is described as a paid internship and features professional development activities; always confirm current benefits on the official page .
Eligibility Criteria
The LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 focuses on undergraduate students who show strong academic foundation and interest in planetary science or adjacent fields.
- Education level: Undergraduates with approximately 50 semester hours completed are invited to apply.
- Preferred majors: Physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics are listed as preferred fields .
- Academic preparation: Strong coursework in math, physics, programming, data analysis, geology, or related topics is advantageous.
- Interest in planetary science: Curiosity about planetary bodies, mission data, remote sensing, geophysics, astrochemistry, or comparable topics is a plus.
- Citizenship/nationality: Requirements vary by year and project. Check the official program page for the 2026 cycle’s specifics before applying.
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, initiative, and time management are highly valued—especially for collaborative research environments.
- Diversity and inclusion: Students from varied backgrounds are encouraged to apply. LPI’s community-building mission emphasizes broad participation in planetary science.
Tip for career-builders: If your major isn’t a perfect match, highlight relevant coursework, skills (Python, MATLAB, GIS, statistics), and motivation for planetary science. Strong recommendation letters and a clear statement of interest can offset gaps.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a practical, step-by-step roadmap to apply confidently:
- Review the official page
- Go to the LPI internship portal to confirm the 2026 details, deadlines, and required materials.
- Identify alignment
- Note the 10-week dates (June 1–August 7, 2026) to ensure availability. Consider how your skills align with planetary research topics (e.g., data analysis, modeling, remote sensing).
- Prepare your resume/CV
- Emphasize STEM coursework, coding tools (Python, MATLAB, R), lab classes, research projects, hackathons, and any conference posters or presentations.
- Write a tailored statement
- In 500–800 words, explain your interest in planetary science, your skill fit, relevant projects, and what you hope to learn from mentorship and workshops.
- Request recommendation letters early
- Ask professors or research mentors who can speak to your scientific curiosity, problem-solving, initiative, and teamwork.
- Collect transcripts
- Unofficial transcripts are often acceptable for initial review; follow the 2026 cycle’s exact instructions on the official site.
- Showcase technical work
- Include links or brief summaries of projects: data notebooks, simulations, mapping, or coding repositories that demonstrate competence and curiosity.
- Submit the online application
- Complete all fields carefully and proofread. Ensure your availability matches the full 10 weeks and you understand the Houston location .
- Prepare for interviews (if any)
- Some projects may request a quick conversation. Be ready to discuss your coursework, a favorite project, and how you approach problem-solving.
- Follow up and plan logistics
- After submission, monitor your email for updates. If selected, confirm details, plan travel and housing logistics as directed, and set learning goals with your mentor.
Pro tip: Treat your application like a mini-research proposal clear motivation, relevant skills, and a learning plan show that you’re ready to contribute and grow.
Quick Q&A: Key Facts at a Glance
Is it paid?
Yes, this is a paid internship, designed to support undergraduates during the summer research period.
Where is it?
In Houston, Texas, either at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or at NASA Johnson Space Center .
How long is it?
10 weeks, with the 2026 program expected to run June 1–August 7, 2026 .
What will I do beyond research?
You’ll join enrichment activities like conferences and professional development workshops.
Who should apply?
Undergraduates with around 50 semester hours, especially in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics .
Application Deadline
As of Wednesday, October 22, 2025 UTC, the official 2026 application deadline has not been posted on the program page. Deadlines are typically announced on the LPI site check the official link regularly and set alerts for updates.
Timeline cues you can plan around:
- The program itself is slated for June 1–August 7, 2026.
- Application windows for summer research programs often open in the fall, with deadlines commonly in late fall to early winter. Confirm on the official page before finalizing your materials.
How to Stand Out: Career Coach Tips
- Lead with outcomes: In your resume and statement, quantify your impact. For example, “processed 1M+ data points using Python to classify mineral signatures with 92% accuracy.”
- Show cross-discipline agility: Planetary science draws from physics, geology, CS, and math. Make it obvious you can connect dots across fields.
- Demonstrate learning velocity: Highlight a project where you taught yourself a new tool or method quickly and delivered a result.
- Practice communicating science: Be ready to explain your technical work in clear language—mentors value students who can bridge research and communication.
- Engage with the community: If you’ve attended public lectures, hackathons, or read mission papers, mention them. It shows genuine interest and initiative.
Sample Weekly Rhythm (for Expectation Setting)
- Week 1–2: Onboarding, reading background papers, setting project scope and milestones.
- Week 3–6: Core analysis, code/data development, mentor check-ins, skill workshops.
- Week 7–8: Refinement, error analysis, visualizations, preparing a poster or talk.
- Week 9–10: Final presentation, documentation, and career development sessions.
This rhythm helps you plan your time and move from learning to contribution confidently.
Why Houston Matters
Having the internship in Houston places you at the intersection of scientific research and human spaceflight history. The Lunar and Planetary Institute and the NASA Johnson Space Center environment fosters mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to ongoing exploration missions an ecosystem that accelerates your growth as an early-career scientist or engineer .
Conclusion
If you’re an undergraduate aiming for a career in planetary science, data-driven space research, or aerospace engineering, the LPI Summer Internship Program 2026 is one of the best on-ramps. It’s paid, structured, and filled with enrichment activities that build both your skill set and your professional network in Houston’s space hub . Start early, craft a focused application, and let your curiosity and initiative shine. Share this guide with classmates, form a study group for applications, and keep an eye on the official page for deadline updates. Your path into space science can start this summer.
FAQs
Q1. Is the LPI Summer Internhip Program 2026 paid?
A1. Yes. It’s a paid undergraduate internship, offering financial support while you gain hands-on research experience at LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center.
Q2. What are the 2026 program dates and duration?
A2. The internship spans 10 weeks, expected to run from June 1 to August 7, 2026, according to current program information and summaries.
Q3. Where does the internship take place?
A3. In Houston, Texas hosted at the Lunar and Planetary Institute or the NASA Johnson Space Center, offering a unique research environment .
Q4. Who is eligible to apply?
A4. Undergraduates with about 50 semester hours, preferably in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or mathematics, are encouraged to apply .
Q5. What enrichment activities are included?
A5. The program features professional development workshops and conference-style enrichment activities during the 10-week experience, enhancing learning and networking .
