Space Policy and Strategy 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.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation is seeking Graduate Student Interns interested in space policy for a paid internship opportunity.

This intern position is for a full-time, limited-term appointment during the Summer of 2024. The internship will be in-person at our Crystal City, VA location.

The selection process is highly competitive and not all available positions may be filled. Selection and announcements will be made by the end of February 2024.

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 issue in space?

Join the Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) as it brings Aerospace’s deep technical expertise to bear shaping the future of space policy across civil, commercial, and national security issues.

This position will be a hybrid work model and offer partially remote with some onsite work required in Crystal City, VA

• 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 round tables 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.

• 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

• 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
• Experience with writing and publishing
• Transcripts required for this position

• GPA 3.5 or higher
• Ability to stage public/virtual events and round tables on pressing issues of space policy
• Policy type experience or coursework

Temporary housing assistance is not available.

The Aerospace Corporation…