Intern at National Space Society Headquarters!  

About the National Space Society

The National Space Society (NSS) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that promotes space exploration and development.  NSS activities include publishing an award-winning bimonthly magazine (Ad Astra) and working to educate Congress and the public on the importance of space activities.

NSS Statement of Vision:

People living and working in communities beyond the Earth.

NSS Mission:

To promote change in social, technical, economic, and political conditions to advance the day when people will live and work in space.

NSS Goals:

1.    Increase public understanding of how space exploration and development result in scientific, technical, and economic benefits that improve the quality of life on Earth.

2.    Encourage private sector investment in space and related activities.

3.    Support technical, economic, and political activities that expand human presence in space beyond Earth orbit and establish communities throughout the solar system.

NSS conducts a broad array of activities to promote space exploration and development, and thus offers interns the possibility to become involved in an assortment of projects.  In an effort to give interns the best possible experiences and opportunities, we strive to tailor interns" responsibilities to their interests.  Applicants should specify in their application materials the areas that interest them most among the following: public outreach/education, journalism, and public policy.

Applicants should realize that all NSS staff members help out from time to time with administrative tasks and projects unrelated to their primary areas of responsibility.  Interns should be prepared to help as needed with projects that deviate from their main areas of interest.

Sample Position Descriptions:

• Public Policy Internship: Intern will attend Congressional briefings and assist the NSS staff with organization and distribution of testimony, tracking legislation, and political action events.
  
• Public Outreach Internship: Intern will assist with responding to inquiries from members and others of the public.  He/she will also contribute to the planning and coordination of NSS outreach events and programs.
• Journalism Internship: Intern will assist editor of Ad Astra with publication tasks, selection of images, and maintenance of the Ad Astra index.  In addition, the intern will update the media contacts database.

            NSS offers internships to students year-round.  Applicants for both summer and academic year internships should be willing to commit to at least an 8-week internship.  NSS does not have a maximum internship duration, but students should indicate on their applications how long they anticipate remaining in the internship.  Academic year internship applicants should be willing to commit to a minimum of 16 hours per week, while summer internship applicants should be prepared to spend at 40 hours per week in the internship.   

            Students may apply the internship toward an academic requirement or course credit if permitted by their schools.  NSS does not determine the amount of credit a student should receive for the internship, but leaves this decision to the student"s college or university.

            Applicants should note that NSS is unable to pay interns and does not provide housing, transportation, health insurance, or other such benefits.  Interns are responsible for their own living and transportation arrangements.

            Whether students come from backgrounds in science, engineering, public policy, or communications, NSS internships can be a valuable supplement to formal education.  While allowing students to work in their fields in a "real-world" setting, they also enable students to learn how to apply their knowledge and skills in an interdisciplinary setting.  All the while, interns will expand their understanding of the U.S. space program, how the federal government influences major science and technology programs and private companies, and the role advocacy organizations play in affecting government activities.

Eligibility for NSS Internships

• The internship program is open to students who have completed at least one year of an undergraduate program. 
• Interns must maintain their student status during the award period. 
• Eligibility is not limited to a particular major, but the program is designed to enhance science, journalism, political science, or communications and public affairs majors. 
• An interest in space is strongly desired. 
• Interns must have the ability to speak and write well in English. 
• Interns should be able to use competently Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Applicants are expected to have grade point averages of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Click here to obtain a copy of the Internship Application Form.