Each semester we will have a different group of Interplanetary Initiative research projects that are seeking support from undergraduate students. Take a look at our research project portfolio to get a sense of the types of interdisciplinary topics we investigate.

In previous semesters, IIURSP students have contributed to projects like:

• SpaceHACK for Sustainability — How can we involve students in leveraging space technologies to achieve the UN SDGs?
• A Customer Discovery-Led Systematic Analysis Study of the U.S. Space Economy — Who are the customers of the space economy and what are their needs?
• DEIA Service Model Offering — How do we build a JEDI (just, equitable, diverse and inclusive) space for all of humanity?
• Mars on the Field — How do we galvanize public and private support for space exploration, an arena that can seem inaccessible to most people?

As part of this experience, selected students will receive mentoring in key research skills as well as support for their career growth and professional development.

The exact expectations of your work will depend on the research project you join. All selected students are expected to:

• Commit 6–9 hours per week for the 15-week semester. 
• Attend regular, synchronous research team meetings (typically held via Zoom).
• Submit a final project deliverable and statement of impact at the end of the research experience.

For Fall C (Aug–Dec) IIURSP cohort applications open in July.

For Spring C (Jan–May) IIURSP cohort applications open in November.

Selected students can choose to receive course credit for their work as a research fellow or to participate as a volunteer. Students should choose whichever path makes the most sense for them. 

Students who opt to participate for credit will be enrolled in 3 credits of IPI 499 for the C session of that semester. These students will earn a passing grade by completing all program requirements, including 6–9 hours per week of work, attending regular team meetings, and submitting required deliverables and assignments.

Students who do not need the credit to complete degree requirements but are still interested in participating in research through the program can opt to participate as a volunteer. Volunteers will still be expected to fulfill the same program requirements to ensure equal learning opportunities for all students involved.

To be eligible to participate in this program, you must:

• Be enrolled in an ASU undergraduate degree program during the application term.
• Be in good academic standing (i.e. not on academic probation).

Yes! Students may participate in this program multiple times. Depending on project needs, some students are asked to stay on into the next semester, and we have had students reapply to new projects if their previous wrapped up. Students joining the program for credit in multiple semesters should consult their academic advisor to discuss degree options, as department guidelines vary.