ISEC INTERNSHIPS
IN 2025 ISEC is accepting applications from both undergraduate (in their third or fourth year) and graduate (Masters and Doctorate) students to participate in the Modern-Day Space Elevator Transportation System research program.
Research Topics for 2025:
Understanding the forces of the Tether Climber from Earth to the Apex Anchor.
Potential Tether Climber configurations to cover: Earth surface to 100km; 100km to GEO; and, GEO to Apex Anchor.
Methodology and process regarding the Installation of the 1st Tether.
Research the limitations of the torque-to-mass ratio of an electric motor that would be used on the Space Elevator’s Climber.
Research the thermodynamics of the space elevator’s climber from the surface of the Earth to the Apex Anchor.
Research battery technology to determine the highest power density and lowest mass for the needs of the space elevator’s climber.
Research the application of space tribology to understand how to modify/redesign the commercial gear boxes shown on the climber conceptual design model to work in a vacuum.
Research potential techniques of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structural design.
Open Topic addressing a particular aspect of the Modern-Day Space Elevator Transportation System
Interns will conduct research from mid-May to end-August 2025 on a topic agreed upon with their mentors, and will present their results in a research paper.
All work will be undertaken remotely.
Schedule for 2025 ISEC Intern Program
Initial Announcement 5 February 2025
Provide potential research abstract to ISEC 15 April 2025
ISEC Intern Selection and Mentor allocation 01 May 2025
Group Discussion on Null-Hypothesis testing (if req) 15 May 2025
Conduct Research and Present Paper 15 May 2025 - 15 August 2025
Periodic meetings (Zoom) with Mentor 15 May 2025 - 15 August 2025
Final Research Paper submission to ISEC 01 September 2025
Intern may present Research (Video) at on-line ISEC Conference, date to be confirmed.
Intern may Present Research (Video) at NSS Conference November 2025
Interested applicants need to send their abstract for evaluation to ISEC_InternProgram@isec.org
Interns will receive a USD 599 stipend after submission of their Research Paper.
No stipend will be paid for the research abstract or any other work undertaken before 15 May 2025.