FAQs

• What is the Space Studies Board and what does it do?

  What is the Space Studies Board and what does it do?

  The Space Studies Board (SSB) is the principal advisory group providing independent scientific and programmatic advice to NASA and other government agencies on all aspects of civil space research and associated ground-based activities.
  
  Its origins date back to the period following the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, when the pace and scope of U.S. space activity dramatically increased. Congress created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to implement the nation's ambitious space agenda, and the National Academy of Sciences created the SSB to provide advice relating to the definition of that agenda. The original charter of the SSB was established in June 1958, three months before final legislation creating NASA was enacted.
  
  The Space Science Board and its successor, the Space Studies Board, have provided expert advice to NASA on a continuous basis from NASA's inception until the present.

• Is the Space Studies Board part of the federal government?

  Is the Space Studies Board part of the federal government?

  No. It is a part of the National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The NRC is administered by both academies and by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

  The NAS was created in 1863 by a congressional charter approved by President Abraham Lincoln. Its function is to advise the government on scientific and technological matters. Under the terms of this charter, the NAS established the NRC in 1916, the NAE in 1964, and the IOM in 1970.
  
  These four entities, which collectively are called the National Academies, are private, nongovernmental, organizations, and do not receive direct federal appropriations for their work. Studies undertaken by the SSB are funded out of appropriations made available to federal agencies such as NASA, NOAA, and NSF.
  
  To find out more, go to About the National Academies.

• Who can apply to the program?

  Who can apply to the program?

  The SSB internship program is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students interested in the research and policy aspects of space science and applications. The minimum qualifications include: must be a registered student at a U.S. university or college; have completed his/her junior year; have long-term career goals in space-science research, applications, or policy; possess good written and verbal communications skills and a good knowledge of in his/her particular area of study; be capable of responding to general guidance and working independently; and be familiar with the internet, world-wide web and basic research techniques.

• Where will I work?

  Where will I work?

  Space Studies Board interns will work in the Washington, DC offices of the NRC located at the Keck Center, 500 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. View directions to National Academies’ locations.

• Will I work on projects related to my particular area of interest or experience?

  Will I work on projects related to my particular area of interest or experience?

  No. While the projects assigned to the interns may be tailored to their particular interests and abilities, the main purpose of the internship is to expose them to a range of current space-policy issues and, thus, broaden their experience. A prospective applicant should not apply for the program if they are only willing to work in their field.

• Is the Space Studies Board internship program open to non-U.S. citizens?

  Is the Space Studies Board internship program open to non-U.S. citizens?

  F-1 students may participate using curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). They must provide an I-20 form, showing approval by the Designated School Official (DSO) for CPT or OPT, and permission to come to Washington, DC, for the time period required to participate in this program, and that you are allowed to receive the stipend. A copy of your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) is required if you are using OPT.
  
  J-1 students must provide a DS-2019 from showing authorization for academic training by the university's J-1 Responsible Officer (RO).
  
  The opportunities offered by the Space Studies Board are internships and not employment by the National Academies. For that reason, participants may not hold B-1, or H-1B, TN, O-1, L-1 or other similar employment-related visas. Applicants with valid F-1, J-1, asylee, refugee, adjustment applicant or U.S. lawful permanent resident status are eligible to apply. Certain other categories are considered individually.

• Will the Space Studies Board provide travel expenses in addition to the salary?

  Will the Space Studies Board provide travel expenses in addition to the salary?

  No.

• Can I do a shortened internship?

  Can I do a shortened internship?

  No, preference will be given to applicants who remain for a minimum of 10 weeks. Extension beyond 10 weeks may be possible, subject to the availability of funds.

• Are these internships available every summer?

  Are these internships available every summer?

  The summer program was initiated in 1992 and has been offered every year since that time and we hope it will continue every summer. Autumn internships have been available on an ad hoc basis since 2005. Continuance of the program is determined by budgetary and other considerations.