ISEC INTERNSHIPS
ISEC Intern 2026 PROGRAM
Larry Bartoszek, P.E.
V.P. and Chair, ISEC Intern Program
This year, ISEC is accepting applications worldwide from both undergraduates (in their third or fourth year) as well as graduates (Masters and Doctorate) to participate in the 2026 Modern-Day Space Elevator Transportation System research program.
Research Topics for 2026:
1. Options in deploying the 1st Tether. A graphene tether may not be deployable by the same method laid out in Brad Edward’s book which assumed a CNT tether. This study is about understanding how a multilayered single crystal graphene tether can be made and laminated together, and how such a tether could be deployed.
2. Research the heat management system of the space elevator climber from the surface of the Earth to the Apex Anchor. Getting rid of waste heat in space is a challenge since the only heat transfer method left in space is thermal radiation. Conceptual design of refrigeration and thermal radiation systems. How can we keep the PV arrays cool?
3. Research the application of space tribology to understand how to modify/redesign the commercial gear boxes and motors shown on the climber conceptual design model to work in a vacuum.
4. Research potential techniques of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structural design. Much of the structure of the reference conceptual design of the climber was changed from aluminum to carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to reduce weight. CFRP products look different from metal fabrications and some shapes cannot be made by typical CFRP production techniques. The entire structure of the climber needs to be reevaluated in the light of proper manufacturing techniques with CFRP, with particular attention paid to metal-to-CFRP connections.
5. Open Topic at student option addressing a particular aspect of the Modern-Day Space Elevator Transportation System.
The interns will be conducting remote research for the months of May through August on a topic agreed upon with their mentors and presenting their results in a research paper. The intern will be paid $599USD upon completion of the research.
Schedule for 2026 ISEC Intern Program
Initial Announcement on ISEC Intern Website: 17Mar26
Provide potential research abstract to ISEC by: 15May26
ISEC to select Intern’s Research and assign a Mentor: 01Jun26
Intern to conduct Research with Mentor: 08Jun26-22Aug26
Periodic meetings (zoom) with Mentor for status/questions: 08Jun26-22Aug26
Final Research Paper submitted to ISEC Intern Director: 08Sep26
Intern can present Research (Video) at ISEC Conference: Sep26
Intern can present Research (Video) at NSS Conference: Nov26
Interested applicants need to send their abstract for evaluation to larry.bartoszek@isec.org or design@bartoszekeng.com .