Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany  

You will be part of the Mission Analysis Section, Flight Dynamics Division, Ground Systems Engineering Department.  

The Mission Analysis Section is entrusted with mission studies for future terrestrial, lunar and interplanetary missions as well as scientific missions located in planetary or lunar libration points. The emphasis is typically on trajectory and attitude related aspects, and on supporting ground segment design and operations. This includes trade-offs for selection of the nominal mission trajectory, definition of maneuvering strategies, optimization of orbital manoeuvres (low- and high-thrust propulsion, including rocket ascent trajectories), calculation of propellant budget, analysis of launch window, analysis of orbit perturbations and navigation. The task also includes the development of the necessary analytical and numerical methods and software tools.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: 

Internship Topic: Artificial Intelligence Applications for Lunar Surface Analysis

From 2031 onwards, ESA's Argonaut versatile cargo lander will provide Europe an independent access service to the lunar surface. To prepare for the challenges connected to missions to the lunar surface, the Mission Analysis Section at ESA's European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt is developing software tools to accurately reconstruct the lunar topography in high resolution from 2D images. Large scale processing is currently not possible, due to the lack of automation, but artificial intelligence algorithms are promising candidates to aid in this process.  

An important step during this reconstruction process is the so-called "interest point matching", a process that identifies which pixel in each of the images used corresponds to a pixel in a different image. Each such match is a pair of pixel-coordinate points, one from each image, corresponding to the same physical object on the terrain (often a rock or crater). A human user can recognize such pairs and make a list of matches, but this lacks repeatability and is very slow: hundreds of interest point matches are required per pair of images, and there could be tens to thousands of pairs. You shall support this process using modern AI techniques to speed up the process to generate interest point matches between images irrespective of their lighting conditions, recognizing the same object in both images even when it appears different., since a prototype test showed excellent performance of the AI compared to traditional algorithms.  

Once the so-called Digital Elevation Models have been created, an important task is the validation and detection of errors in these models by e.g. detecting anomalies. Again, AI techniques can be employed to compare images generated from the models with real images of the moon, identifying features that typically do not exist on the moon (e.g. a straight line due to a height mismatch).

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset. 

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness 
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. 

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at 

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. 

Nationality 

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.