• Studies of the effects of spaceflight on living

systems, conducted both on the ground and

also in space aboard the International Space

Station and other spacecraft.

• The development and operation of

specialized research facilities to support

investigations in microgravity, partial gravity,

and hypergravity.

• Research and development of advanced

biotechnologies that enable NASA’s

exploration of distant destinations.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The Space Life Sciences Training Program 

at NASA’s Ames Research Center

An Investment in Tomorrow

NASAfacts

Overview

NASA’s Space Life Sciences Training 

Program (SLSTP) provides undergraduate 

students entering their junior or senior years 

with professional experience in space life 

science disciplines. This challenging ten-week 

summer program is held at NASA’s Ames 

Research Center in the heart of California’s 

Silicon Valley. The primary goal of the 

program is to train the next generation of 

scientists and engineers, enabling NASA to 

meet future research and development 

challenges in the space life sciences. 

The SLSTP Experience

In this rigorous program, students work closely 

with renowned NASA scientists and engineers 

on cutting-edge research, benefiting from the 

concentration of bioscience expertise at Ames. 

In addition to conducting hands-on research, 

SLSTP students attend technical lectures given 

by experts on a wide range of topics and tour 

NASA research facilities. 

SLSTP participants are exposed to a broad 

scope of bioscience research performed by 

NASA scientists. Participants acquire skills and 

knowledge of the tools and methodology used 

by NASA to conduct life science experiments 

in space.

2023 SLSTP participants at Ames.

(Image Credit: NASA, Dominic Hart)

Summer 2024 Update

The program will be held in-person at Ames 

Research Center for the summer 2024. 

Interns receive a stipend and the opportunity 

to attend a conference to present their 

research results. 

Research Areas

Students in SLSTP undertake research 

projects in various areas. Examples include:

2018 SLSTP participants at Ames getting a tour 

of the largest wind tunnel in operation.
Program Support

The SLSTP is funded by NASA’s Science Mission 

Directorate. The SLSTP is managed by the Space 

Biology Project within the Science Directorate at Ames

Research Center. 

Information for Applicants

The SLSTP is an equal opportunity program. Admission 

is by competitive application process. U.S. Citizen,

undergraduate students who maintain a 3.2 or higher 

grade point average are invited to apply. Past student 

participants were selected for their outstanding merit, 

passion for space, and desire to study space life 

science.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, CA 94035

www.nasa.gov

FS-2016-01-01-ARC NASA Facts

The Space Life Sciences Training Program at NASA’s Ames Research Center

2018 SLSTP participants working together on a team 

building project.

Applications for the SLSTP will be submitted through 

an online application found at: intern.nasa.gov. 

Prospective applicants who are interested in applying 

should subscribe to the SLSTP mailing list (https://

lists.nasa.gov/mailman/listinfo/slstp) and check back 

for updates. Students are encouraged to submit their 

applications early. Please visit the SLSTP website for 

current information about internship opportunities 

and important dates.

2013 SLSTP students performing research 

using the Human Performance Centrifuge at 

Ames (Image Credit: NASA, Dominic Hart)

For more information, contact:

arc-slstp@mail.nasa.gov

Or visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/ames/the-space-lifesciences-training-program-at-ames-researchcenter/