To all motivated students with an interest in Engineering and astronomy, we are here with an exciting summer program organized by one of the premier research institutes in the United States, which you should not miss! Applications are open for the STSci SASP Summer Program 2026. SASP, also known as Space Astronomy Summer Program, is a flagship initiative of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) that offers an exceptional opportunity to outstanding undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience while conducting independent research alongside STScI staff on projects related to software development, software engineering, Data reduction, data interpretation, public outreach, and more.
The summer program is seeking applications from highly motivated undergraduate students with a strong interest in the areas of engineering, space-based astronomy, and public outreach. The program is accepting applications from both US and International students from around the world. The duration of the SASP summer program is 9 weeks, scheduled to take place at StSci campus in Baltimore, Maryland, from June 1 to July 31, 2026.
The institute covers all costs of participants related to the program, coverage includes: a competitive stipend, housing assistance, travel reimbursement, and other perks and benefits. The application window is currently open, the last date for submission ofthe application is Janaury 1, 2026. Incomplete and late applications will not be entertained. Read more details below.
Objective
The objective of the STSci Space Astronomy Summer Program is to expose talented undergraduate students from around the world to leading research in Astrophysics and the work of space-based observatories.
STSci SASP Summer Program 2026 in the USA: Overview
- Host Country: United States
- Hosted by: Space Telescope Science Institute
- Eligible Countries: Open for All
- Duration: 9 Weeks
- Dates: June 1 to June 31, 2026
- Location: STScI campus, Baltimore, Maryland
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: January 23rd, 2026
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Research Areas
The summer programme offers research in a wide range of areas, which are:
- Software Engineering
- Software Development
- Data Reduction
- Data Interpretation
- Instrument Calibration
- Public Outreach
- Scientific Writing
Eligiblity Criteria
- The STScI summer program is open to all nationals
- US nationals are also invited to apply
- Students in the upper division of undergraduate and earlier years of graduate degree are invitied to apply
- Commit to full-time participation in the program during program dates
- Students must have excellent academic records
- Demonstrate interest in software engineering, outreach, and Astronomy
Coverage
- Stipend of approx. $880 per week to cover living expenses
- Housing Assistance
- Travel support to/from the STScI campus
- Visa support for the non-US nationals
- Interns are provided with a laptop or a pc
SASP Summer School Benefits
- Gain hands-on research experience while working on real-world projects
- Participants will conduct individual research alongside professional mentors
- Beyond research, students will also attend specialized lectures
- Broaden their networks with professionals and peers in related fields
- Gain exposure to leading research in Astrophysics
- Participants will present their research findings to STScI staff at the culminating symposium
- Exclusive access to the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities
Required Documents
- A personal statement defines your career goals and interests
- Academic Transcript
- 1-2 Reference Letters
- Recent Resume/CV
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How to Apply for the Space Astronomy Summer Program 2026?
The application process for the 2026 Space Astronomy Summer Program (SASP) is online via the official institute portal. Individuals meeting the above criteria must visit the official link below, click on “Application Website,” sign up to have access to the application, complete your profile, provide the required documents, and submit your application.
The notification of selection will be made in early March 2026.
To apply and for more details, visit the official link below:
