Our team and mission

This position is based at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) – Frascati, Italy

The Space Transportation Flight Programmes team is responsible in particular for: preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes; leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except those entrusted to other departments; complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6 Competitiveness improvement programme, preparing all elements related to the Ariane 5/6 transition, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 exploitation; complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega and Vega C transition and exploitation; completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above; establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments; among other tasks.

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: Modelling and simulation of HTE engine

In the frame of VEGA programme, a new High Thrust Engine (HTE) is being developed. The development of engineering tools is necessary to have a continuous follow up of the design loops of liquid rocket engines. The internship here proposed is related to the development and validation of engineering models of the High Thrust Engine (HTE) demonstrator and relative development models. The candidate will work using state of the art of modelling tools to develop a mathematical model of the aforementioned engine. The models will be then validated using available test results.

The internship will include an initial training phase, lasting about 1 month, where the candidate will be tasked to familiarize with Space Propulsion, in particular with Liquid Rocket Engines and on-ground facilities (test benches), transient system modelling of the complete engine (on the EcosimPro software platform) and predesign of its main sub-systems such as combustion chamber and turbo-pumps (on in-house or commercial tools).

The second part of the internship, lasting about 3/4 months, will be dedicated to the set-up and calibration of the dedicated engine and sub-system models using available data.

Finally, the last month will be dedicated to data analysis and reports drafting.

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2) Topic 2: Modelling and simulation of M10 engine

In the frame of VEGA-E programme, the development of engineering tools is necessary to have a continuous follow up of the design loops of liquid rocket engines. The internship here proposed is related to the development and validation of engineering models of the M10 upper stage engine. The candidate will work using state of the art of modelling tools to develop a mathematical model of the aforementioned engine. The models will be then validated using available test results.

The internship will include an initial training phase, lasting about 1 month, when the candidate will be tasked to familiarize with Space Propulsion, in particular with Liquid Rocket Engines, the modelling of its main elements on the EcoSimpro software platform and taking advantage of already developed engine models.

The second part of the internship, lasting about 3/4 months, will be dedicated to the extension and validation of the dedicated engine models.

Finally, the last month will be dedicated to data analysis and reports drafting.

During this activity he will have the opportunity to work closely to the IPT propulsion specialists and to familiarize in general with the VEGA Space Transportation System.

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:

• Fluid dynamics / Gas dynamics
• Thermodynamics and Heat transfer
• Space Propulsion
• Knowledge and background in Turbomachinery is an asset

2) Topic 2:

• Fluid dynamics / Gas dynamics
• Thermodynamics and Heat transfer
• Space Propulsion