Our team and mission

This position can be based:

• At the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands
• At the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) – Darmstadt, Germany

The ESA Space Safety Programme Office takes care of all potential hazards from space or in space, which can impact human activities on Earth or again in space. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from man-made space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth. It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.

The Cleanspace Office contributes to implementing ESA’s ambition to safeguard terrestrial and orbital environments while boosting the innovation and competitiveness of Europe’s space sector. In practice, this means to clean up and keep clean our precious space environment as well as to reduce the environmental impacts of our activities. For further information about clean space activities, read the team’s blog

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Ecodesign for space

Understanding the environmental consequences of space missions is critical in addressing the challenge of reducing the environmental impacts of space activiites. ESA has taken a pioneering role in this domain, emerging as a global leader in space eco-design. The agency has notably introduced the world’s inaugural Life-Cycle Assessment Handbook and a dedicated database.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to assist the team in concluding prior research endeavors and contributing to ongoing studies that will help chart the path ahead.

2) Topic 2: Zero Debris in space

The traffic in valuable Earth orbits is and will continue to increase exponentially. Despite internationally recognised space debris mitigation guidelines, technical standards, and national space regulations, the disposal of space systems from protected regions and the prevention of in-orbit break-ups still have a low success rate. ESA, propelled by its Clean Space initiative, has consistently pioneered new technologies, standards, and operational practices to mitigate and remediate space debris. The ‘Zero Debris’ approach, representing Clean Space’s proactive move towards protecting our orbital environment, is an ambitious pledge to drastically reduce our debris footprint, aspiring to leave no more debris in valuable orbits by 2030.

As an intern, you will be supporting the team working on further developing the Zero Debris approach and improving the End-of-Life Management of missions.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

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