Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) – Near Cologne, Germany

Within the XR-Lab, interns will work on Virtual Reality applications for astronaut training and space exploration. The potential usage of XR (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality) and associated haptic devices at EAC are suitable for EVA, robotics, LUNA analogue facility and onboard ISS purposes requiring incremental preparation, prototyping and tests of tools helping the crew and ground support personal to design, prepare or complement space training. XR at EAC is also used in support of mission design for various missions (Low Earth Orbit, EL3 on the Moon, Gateway around the Moon or Mars). When used in weightlessness conditions, XR hardware and software necessitate specific research, modification, tests or ground up design to ensure full realism, functionality, and robust tracking in Zero-G conditions.

XR-Lab internships will focus on analyzing current tools and XR-Lab on-going projects, complement them (Unreal Engine based for MR and Unity for AR) and create/modify relevant additional tools or models in close cooperation with the XR-Lab team.

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: Optimization of 3D-Modelling, Rendering and Design Workflows in XR Applications for Space Exploration

The XR-Lab at EAC engages in a variety of projects to promote the use of immersive technologies in space exploration, frequently partnering with international collaborators. These endeavours often require working with very highly detailed and industry grade 3D models. This position will focus on refining and enhancing the models used in our applications, with a specific focus on improving modelling workflows and rendering techniques. This provides an opportunity for you to significantly contribute to various XR-Lab projects.

As an intern, your responsibilities will also encompass both the implementation and evaluation of rendering optimization strategies, as well as the exploration of innovative rendering technologies (DLSS, LODs, Nanite, etc.). These combined efforts aim to substantially enhance the performance and visual quality of our XR applications.

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2) Topic 2: Creation of a public video game to showcase the ESA Moon exploration

As an intern on our team, your focus will be on the development of a captivating video game aimed at promoting ESA’s lunar surface exploration projects. This aligns with our mission to engage the public and inspire enthusiasm for space exploration. Your role will involve the design and implementation of all aspects of our future lunar exploration game, ensuring it effectively communicates ESA’s excitement to a wide audience through the medium of gaming. In this role, you will be responsible for various aspects of video game development, including 3D modelling, gameplay mechanics, level design, user interface design, and audio.

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3) Topic 3: Optimisation and expansion of a VR pre-visualisation tool for human lunar surface operation concepts

As an intern in the XR-Lab, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the software performance and expanding its feature set for visualizing the lunar south pole. You will work closely with our team to improve the overall software performance. This includes optimizing rendering speed, reducing latency, and enhancing the software’s responsiveness when visualizing complex lunar terrains and installations. You will also be tasked with expanding the software’s feature set to provide a more comprehensive and realistic representation of the lunar south pole. This may involve adding new lander models, surface structures, and other elements to increase the software’s utility for mission planning and analysis.

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.

Additional Requirements:

1) Topic 1:
Core responsibility: Ensuring models are optimized for interactive real-time XR usage.

• Strong background in 3D-Modelling and Texturing. Experience in Autodesk Maya or 3D Studio Max or Blender is mandatory
• Experience in 3D animation would be an asset
• Ability to accurately reconstruct 3D objects from technical drawings, CAD models, photos, and videos
• Knowledge of rendering techniques and systems (Draw calls, DirectX, Forward/Deferred Rendering, etc.)
• Experience in Unreal Engine or Unity Engine would be an asset

2) Topic 2:
General familiarity with 3D modeling, rendering, and game development processes.

• Proven experience with Unreal Engine 5 (Blueprints, Materials, UMG and lighting techniques)
• Experience in audio design for interactive application
• Knowledge in 3D animations
• Knowledge in 3D performance optimization
• Experience with git-lfs version control system is an asset

3) Topic 3:
General familiarity with 3D modeling, rendering, and game development processes.

• Proven experience with Unreal Engine 5 (Blueprints, Materials, UMG and lighting techniques)
• Knowledge in 3D performance optimization
• Experience in Virtual Reality or Mixed Reality application development
• Knowledge in 3D animations is an asset
• Past experience with git-lfs version control system is an asset