Apply Link:https://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/space-astronomy-summer-program?utm

 

What Is the STScI SASP Summer Program?

 

Space Astronomy Summer Program (SASP) is a fully funded educational summer research trip to the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) that provides an opportunity for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students to carry out real experimental research and get hands, on experience in astrophysics and related fields under the guidance of professional researchers at a first, rate space science institution in the USA.

The Space Telescope Science Institute, located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, is globally recognized as the leading center for space science as well as the main hub for research data derived from major space missions. SASP interns get an exceptional opportunity to see the inside workings and the science behind space, based observatories and space astrophysical research.

 

Program Duration, Format & Daily Structure:

 

Duration Total length: About 9 weeks Timeline of the program: From early June to late July 2026 Work Format Live campus 5 days a week (Mon, Fri) 8 9 hours per day (close to a full, time professional research job).

Final Presentation: The research results presented by the interns at the program finale.

Typical Weekly Schedule

Research Work (Majority of Time): Most of the time, students engross in the research project that is guided by a seasoned researcher. Weekly Seminars: Scientists from STScI giving lectures on different subjects such as astrophysics, cosmology, telescope missions, and career choices. Group Meetings: Interns presenting and discussing their work progress, problems, and ways.

Deadlines & Important Dates (2026 Cycle)

The official timeline for the 2026 SASP is as follows (based on STScI’s published information and reporting from multiple sources):

 

Fully Funded Benefits:

The SASP program is completely funded and one of its main goals is to remove any financial barriers so students can wholly dedicate themselves to learning and research. Usually, the funding covers:

Financial Support:

Weekly stipend: About $880 per week, in line with summer internship wages in the US.Travel expenses: Reimbursement for the round, trip flight to and from Baltimore.Housing: Either free or significantly discounted accommodation throughout the internship period.Visa: International students will get STScI support and documentation for their visa application.

Research & Development Experience:

Direct practical experience with projects in astrophysics, software development, data analysis, instrumentation, or science communications. Have professional mentorship from both mentors and STScI scientific staffs. Lectures & seminars: The interns are permitted to attend the expert sessions which are focused on the latest developments in space science.

Student Eligibility:

Nationality The program welcomes applicants of all nationalities, including international applicants.

Commitment You need to be available full, time for the entire program’s duration of 9 weeks.

Interests & Skills

The candidate should be able to show an interest in and maintain their passion for one or more of the following: astronomy, astrophysics, engineering, data science, or science communication. Of course, it is useful if one has taken classes or got experience in physics, math, computing, or research, but it is not mandatory.

Application Requirements:

 

The application will be completed online at the official SlideRoom application portal, and the different components of the application are:

Application Form:

Personal information and academic details.

 Personal Essay / Statement of Purpose:

Write 500, 1, 000 words to discuss your:

academic and career goalsreasons to be passionate about space scienceexpectations from SASP3.

Academic Transcripts:

Official or unofficial transcripts from your current institution.

🤝 Letters of Recommendation

🧑‍💻 Resume/cv                                   

 

Selection Process:

The selection process is very competitive. Here is what you will face in the selection process:

Review & MatchingFollowing submission, applications are first placed into a 6, week review period during which STScI evaluates not only the academic background, statement of each applicant for merits but also tries to make the match between candidates and specific projects and mentors based on the interests and skills.

Notification:

STScI sends decision letters to applicants through email.

Usually, you will have around 5 working days to accept or decline the offer.

Visa & Onboarding:

Once you accept the offer, STScIs HR department will help foreign students to get the right U.S. work visa and other documents required for participation.

By participating in the SASP internship,

will be able to: Research ProjectsEngage in independent work on major research projects which could be: Processing and interpretation of Hubble/JWST datasetsDevelopment and engineering of software productsInstrument calibration and astrophysical analysisScience writing and public outreach.

Mentoring & Seminars Each intern is given a mentor and also participates in a weekly seminar where topics in astronomy are discussed at quite an advanced level.Interns exhibit their research results at the completion of the program.

Show Off Relevant Skills: If you have any such as programming, lab experience, data analysis, or space science coursework, be sure to mention them. Be Sincere & On Point: A real interest combined with clarity usually makes the candidate stand out in a highly competitive pool.                         

 

Stage	Date
Applications Open	January 2026
Application Deadline	31 January 2026
Recommendation Deadline	Early February 2026
Selection Notifications	Early March 2026
Program Begins	June 2026

 

Research Areas & Project Tracks (Very Important)Applicants are not randomly distributed. STScI thoughtfully pairs interns with projects their backgrounds, interests, and skills.

Main Research Tracks1.Data Science & Computational AstronomyLarge astronomical datasetsData reduction and pipeline developmentPython, based data analysisMachine learning.applications in astronomy.