Unlock Your Future: Join the 2025 NASA Planetary Science Summer School in Astrobiology – Apply Now!

NASA invites applications for the 37th Annual Planetary Science Summer School until March 18, 2025. This program, hosted by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lasts for three months and aims to cultivate future planetary science leaders.

Participants will learn how to develop science-driven robotic missions. They will experience the mission design process, including costs, schedules, and trade-offs involved in each project.

• Session 1: Preparatory Sessions from May 8 to July 24, 2025. Final Week with JPL’s Team X from July 28 to August 1, 2025.
• Session 2: Preparatory Sessions from May 22 to August 7, 2025. Final Week with JPL’s Team X from August 11 to 15, 2025.

An informational webinar will be held on February 12, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM PST. Attendees will gain insights into the program and tips for submitting a strong application. Registration is required.

Eligible applicants include:

• Science and engineering doctoral candidates (advancement to candidacy required)
• Recent Ph.D. graduates (up to three years post-degree)
• Postdocs
• Junior Faculty with a Ph.D.
• Non-research Master’s students in engineering, close to graduation

This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and a limited number of foreign nationals residing in the U.S. There is no fee to participate, and applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The program requires a commitment similar to a three-credit graduate course, averaging 10-12 hours per week. The first ten weeks are spent in preparatory webinars as part of a science mission team. The final week includes mentoring from JPL’s Advance Project Design Team, known as “Team X,” where participants will refine their mission concepts and present them to a mock review board of NASA experts.

This is a unique chance to get hands-on experience in the exciting field of planetary science!