2026 Space Policy Graduate Intern

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) is seeking Graduate Student Interns interested in space policy or strategic foresight for a paid internship opportunity. This intern position is for three full-time, limited-term appointments during the Summer of 2026. The selection process is highly competitive and not all available positions may be filled. Selection and announcements will be on a rolling basis before the end of February 2026.

This position is full time on-site in our Crystal City, VA location.

With your application, please provide a cover letter attached to your resume and discuss the following:

• Short statement of interest for why you would like to work for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy. Are you a space enthusiast, and if so, how have you pursued that passion in your personal, professional, or academic life? What do you envision as the next big policy or strategic issue in space? What are your most curious or transformational ideas about the future of space?

Join CSPS as it brings Aerospace's deep technical expertise to bear shaping the future of space policy across civil, commercial, and national security issues.

What You Will Be Doing

• Write, edit, and publish with CSPS, including the potential to serve as a co-author on published work together with a CSPS staff member.
• Conduct strategy and policy research using advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies as part of an interdisciplinary team, working with highly regarded scholars and practitioners
• Make complicated technical, economic, and policy concepts accessible for a national decision-making audience
• Help CSPS stage public/virtual events and roundtables on pressing issues of space policy
• Work closely with senior management and staff, and other members of the space policy community
• Training and extensive mentorship will be provided.

What Corporate Skills You Will Bring

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must work well in a team environment
• Must possess strong organizational, time management and project management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs
• Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
• Demonstrate behavior that is consistent with the company's values of Dedication to Mission Success, Technical Excellence, Commitment to Our People, Objectivity and Integrity, and Innovation

What You Need To Be Successful

minimum requirements

• Currently enrolled full time at an accredited college/university degree program pursuing a Master's or PhD in a space- and/or national security-related technology, strategy, or policy field.
• Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance, US Citizenship Required
• Knowledge and interest in space policy or Strategic Foresight
• Experience with writing and publishing
• Transcripts required for this position

How You Can Stand Out

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Ability to stage public/virtual events and roundtables on pressing issues of space policy
• Policy type experience or coursework
• Training or expertise in foresight methodologies such as emerging trends analysis, horizon scanning, scenario development, and strategy formulation.

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

The Aerospace Corporation is a proud member of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a growing coalition of leading space companies committed to collaboratively working toward a shared vision of expanding and providing opportunities for talent to join the exciting space industry. As part of this commitment, SWFT companies are focused on building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable space workforce required to maintain U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Click here to learn more and register for the National Space Intern program.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.