What if your summer job was studying the Moon or Venus with a real scientist? The LPI Summer Internship 2027 at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas, offers exactly that. It is a 10 week programme for undergraduate students. It is open to foreign nationals and US citizens. Applications close on 14 December 2026.
But there is one rule you must check first. NASA security checks apply to selected interns. This guide shows who can apply and what to prepare.
Quick Facts
Last Information checked: 25 October 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science |
| Host | Lunar and Planetary Institute or NASA Johnson Space Center |
| Location | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Length | 10 weeks |
| Dates | 7 June to 13 August 2027 |
| Who can apply | Undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit |
| Open to | Foreign nationals and US citizens |
| Total support | $13,639 |
| Deadline | 14 December 2026 |
What the Internship Is
Each summer intern works one on one with a scientist from LPI or the NASA Johnson Space Center. You join a real research project in lunar and planetary science. You also join lectures and career development workshops.
The programme started in 1977. Many leading planetary scientists began as LPI interns. It is built for students who finish their sophomore and junior years. Graduating seniors can apply but they are not the main focus.
Internship Benefits
- Total support of $13,639. It covers airfare, a stipend, housing and living expenses. Housing costs are paid straight to the housing vendor from this amount
- Research experience. You work on a real project with a planetary scientist
- One on one mentoring. Your advisor guides your project
- Lectures and workshops. You join enrichment activities and career development sessions
- Networking. You meet and work with professionals in the field
- References. You build contacts who can write you letters of reference
- New skills. You learn and sharpen research skills in a real work setting
Who Can Apply
- You are an undergraduate student with at least 50 semester hours of credit
- You are a foreign national or a US citizen
- Majors in physical or natural sciences, engineering, computer science or mathematics are preferred
- All eligible students from other majors will also be considered
- You can join the programme for the full 10 weeks
LPI says the programme is open to international undergraduates and US students. You can take part only once. Naturalised citizens and permanent residents can apply. They must claim their status in the application and show original documents.
Also Read: Heinrich Böll Foundation Internship 2027: $700 Monthly Pay with J-1 Visa Support
NASA Security Checks
Interns work at LPI or at the NASA Johnson Space Center. So selected candidates must pass a background investigation. They must also have an approved Access Control Plan before the internship starts.
Requests from foreign nationals from Designated Countries are sent to NASA Headquarters for approval. Some LPI pages say that citizens of Designated Countries are not eligible. Check the Eligibility page on the LPI website before you apply. This rule can decide your application.
What You Need To Apply
- Online application form. Paper applications are not accepted
- Official transcripts. Ask your university to send them to LPI. Use your application number if you have it
- Letters of recommendation. Plan for three. The call text says at least two and a maximum of three. The LPI FAQ asks for three
- Proof of English. Send one of these. A TOEFL score or an IELTS score or a letter from your institute that confirms your English skills
- Your grades on a 4.0 scale. Ask your registrar how your grading system translates
IELTS is not required. You can choose a letter from your institute or a TOEFL score instead.
How To Apply Step By Step
- Go to the LPI Summer Intern Program website.
- Open the 2027 application form and create your account.
- Fill in your citizenship and immigration details.
- Enter your university details and grades.
- Write your answers and add your recommenders.
- Ask your institute to send your official transcript.
- Upload or submit your proof of English.
- Submit before 14 December 2026.
Your recommenders get a link by email. They must send their letters through the online form. Letters by email or by post are not accepted. You can submit your application before the letters arrive. But all materials, including letters, must be in by the deadline. Missing letters hurt your application.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Asking recommenders at the last minute
- Giving a wrong email address for a recommender
- Sending a letter by email instead of the online form
- Forgetting your transcript request
- Not checking the Designated Countries rule
- Assuming you need IELTS when other proof is accepted
- Missing the deadline. LPI does not accept late applications
- Forgetting that you must join the full 10 weeks except for valid reasons
- Ignoring tax rules. LPI says interns must report stipend earnings to the IRS
Key Dates
- 14 December 2026: Application deadline
- 7 June 2027: Internship begins
- 13 August 2027: Internship ends
The Bottom Line
The LPI Summer Internship is a rare chance to do real planetary research in Houston. It gives you funding, mentoring and a strong start in space science. Ask your recommenders early. Check the NASA security rules for your country. Then submit your application before 14 December 2026.
