Applications Now Being Accepted for the Exploration Science Summer Intern Program

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The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is hosting a special summer intern program to involve students in activities that support missions to the Moon that utilize the Orion crew vehicle, the Deep Space Gateway, and robotic assets on the lunar surface. It is a unique opportunity to integrate scientific input with exploration activities in a way that mission architects and spacecraft engineers can use. Activities may involve assessments of landing sites and traverse plans for multiple destinations that are responsive to NASA objectives. The LPI invites applications from graduate students in geology, planetary science, and related programs.

The Exploration Science Summer Intern Program builds on the success of the Lunar Exploration Summer Intern Program that was designed to evaluate possible landing sites on the Moon for robotic and human exploration missions. Over a five-year period (2008–2012), teams of students worked with LPI science staff and their collaborators to produce A Global Lunar Landing Site Study to Provide the Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon. The program for 2018 is designed to have the same impact on future exploration activities. This will be a unique team activity that should foster extensive discussions among students and senior science team members.

The 10-week program runs from May 29, 2018, through August 3, 2018. Selected interns will receive a $5883 stipend, and up to a $1000 travel expense reimbursement for U.S. citizens, or $1500 for foreign nationals.

The deadline for applying for the 2018 program is January 19, 2018. For more information, including eligibility and selection criteria, areas of research, and an online application form, please visit https://www.lpi.usra.edu/exploration_intern/.