If you’ve ever dreamed of contributing to missions that explore Mars, study climate change from orbit, develop next-generation spacecraft, or advance AI for deep-space navigation—NASA’s 2026–2027 research Internships programs offer a rare and transformative opportunity for students to work alongside scientists, engineers, and innovators at America’s premier space agency.
Open to U.S. citizens and select international students (through partner programs), NASA Internships are fully funded, hands-on, and hosted at NASA centers across the country—including Johnson Space Center (Houston), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena), Kennedy Space Center (Florida), Goddard Space Flight Center (Maryland), and Ames Research Center (California).
What You’ll Do as a NASA Intern
Unlike typical Internships, NASA placements are research-driven and project-based. You’ll collaborate on real NASA missions and initiatives, such as:
- Developing software for autonomous lunar rovers (Artemis Program)
- Analyzing satellite data to track global deforestation or sea-level rise
- Testing materials for future Mars habitats
- Optimizing AI algorithms for space communication networks
- Supporting astronaut training simulations
Internships are available in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) as well as select roles in communications, policy, and business operations.
Program durations vary:
- Summer: 10 weeks (May–August 2026)
- Fall: 16 weeks (August–December 2026)
- Spring: 16 weeks (January–May 2027)
Compensation & Support
NASA internships are paid and fully supported:
- Stipend: Based on education level and location
- Undergraduates: $7,000–$9,000 (summer)
- Graduates: $9,000–$12,000+ (summer)
- Housing assistance: Allowance or help securing accommodations near NASA centers
- Travel reimbursement: Round-trip to your assigned center
- Mentorship: Paired with a NASA scientist or engineer
- Professional development: Workshops, facility tours, and networking events
- Pathway to careers: Many interns receive offers for NASA Pathways Programs or full-time roles
🇺🇸 Note: Most NASA internships require U.S. citizenship due to security protocols. However, international students may apply through partner programs like the NASA International Internship (via Space Grant Consortia) or university collaborations (e.g., with JPL-Caltech).
Who Can Apply?
- UnderGraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time in an accredited institution
- Majoring in STEM fields (engineering, computer science, physics, earth science, math, biology, etc.)
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 (recommended)
- Strong interest in space, aeronautics, Earth science, or technology innovation
Some programs accept high school seniors (e.g., OSSI High School component), but most target college-level students.
How to Apply
All applications go through NASA’s centralized portal:
- Create an account at intern.nasa.gov
- Browse opportunities by center, discipline, and term (Summer/Fall/Spring 2026–2027)
- Submit:
- Resume
- Academic transcript
- Personal statement (describe your interests and NASA alignment)
- 1–2 references (optional but recommended)
- Deadlines:
- Summer 2026: October 18, 2025
- Fall 2026: March 1, 2026
- Spring 2027: July 1, 2026
💡 Pro Tip: Apply to 5–10 projects that match your skills. Mention specific NASA missions (e.g., Artemis, Europa Clipper, SWOT) in your statement to show genuine interest.
Key Programs to Know
- NASA OSSI (One Stop Shopping Initiative): Main portal for all internships
- JPL Internships: For those interested in robotics, planetary science, and deep-space missions (hosted by Caltech)
- NASA Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP): Leads directly to federal civil service roles
- Space Grant Internships: Funded through state consortia; some open to non-U.S. students via university partnerships
Why Intern at NASA?
- Contribute to historic missions shaping humanity’s future in space and on Earth
- Work with cutting-edge labs, supercomputers, and test facilities
- Join a legacy of innovation—from Apollo to Artemis
- Build a network that spans academia, government, and aerospace industry
Even if you don’t become an astronaut, a NASA internship opens doors at SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NOAA, and top research universities.
Ready to Reach for the Stars?
Start your application today—space is limited, and competition is high.
🔗 Official Portal: NASA Internships – intern.nasa.gov
📘 Application Guide & Tips: Scholarships365.xyz – NASA Internships 2026
“The important thing is to never stop questioning.” — Albert Einstein (a spirit deeply alive at NASA)
Whether you’re coding flight software or modeling climate systems, your work at NASA won’t just be a line on your résumé—it will help shape the future of exploration. Apply now.
