Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Clean Space Office
Key Skills
Job Description
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
Our team and mission
The ESA Space Safety Department takes care of all potential hazards and threats from space or in space, which can impact human activities, infrastructure, or related applications. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from human 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.
In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Department has the following entities:
- Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM)
- COSMIC Project Management Office (OPS-SC)
- Space Weather Office (OPS-SW)
- Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP)
- Space Debris Office (OPS-SD)
- Clean Space & Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY)
- Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF)
- Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX)
The ESA Clean Space Office (OPS-SC) leads the Agency’s activities aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of space activities. Its mission is to develop, coordinate and promote innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of space systems, prevent the generation of space debris, and enable a future circular economy in space. The office addresses the full lifecycle of space assets, from design and manufacturing to operations, servicing, disposal, reuse and recycling.
The Clean Space Office coordinates ESA initiatives in three complementary domains:
- Ecodesign, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of space missions throughout their lifecycle.
- Zero Debris, aimed at developing technologies, standards and operational approaches that minimise the generation of debris and support the sustainability of Earth and Lunar orbits.
- In-Orbit Servicing and Circular Economy in Space, aimed at enabling future capabilities such as inspection, rendezvous and proximity operations, servicing, refurbishment, repair, assembly, reuse and recycling of space assets.
Beyond technology development, the office supports the definition and preparation of future missions, including the study of novel Active Debris Removal (ADR), In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) and Circular Economy mission concepts from the earliest project phases (Phase 0/A/B1) through to implementation and in-orbit demonstration activities. The office also contributes to the development of standards, policies and best practices that support the adoption of sustainable space solutions across ESA and the wider space sector.
To achieve these objectives, the Clean Space Office coordinates activities implemented under ESA's Space Safety Programme (S2P), ESA's programme dedicated to protecting Earth, society, space infrastructure and future space activities from hazards originating in space or from space activities, including space debris, space weather and near-Earth objects. The office also coordinates and supports Clean Space activities across other ESA R&D programmes, working with ESA technical experts, projects, programmes, but also with Member States, industry and international partners to mature and promote innovative solutions for future space missions.
For interns, the Clean Space Office offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge engineering, sustainability and innovation activities that are helping to shape the future of sustainable and circular space operations.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You can choose among the following topics:
Topic 1 - Ecodesign for space (ESAC)
The environmental impact of space missions is a topic of growing importance. Understanding the impacts is the only way to be able to tackle the problem. ESA has been pioneering this field and has become a world-wide leader in ecodesign for space. The Agency has published the first dedicated Life-Cycle Assessment Handbook and a specific database. ESA is the first entity to require all Space missions to perform ecodesign through its mission development.
You will have the opportunity to support the team to review and wrap-up past studies, support the development of datasets for improvement of the ESA LCA Database and support on-going studies to define the way forward.
Topic 2 - Zero Debris approach and End-of-Life Management (ESTEC)
The traffic in valuable Earth orbits is expected to continue increasing significantly in the coming decades. Despite internationally recognised space debris mitigation guidelines, technical standards and national regulations, the successful disposal of space systems and the prevention of in-orbit break-ups remain major challenges. ESA is addressing these challenges through the implementation of the Zero Debris approach, helping to preserve the space environment for future generations.
You will support the team responsible for further developing the Zero Debris approach and improving the End-of-Life management of current and future missions. Activities may include contributing to engineering studies, requirements, methodologies, technology roadmaps and analyses related to space debris mitigation, disposal strategies and the implementation of Zero Debris objectives across ESA projects.
Topic 3 - Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing (ESTEC)
Globally significant progress has been made in both the technical and commercial validation of in-orbit servicing activities such as debris removal, AOCS takeover for life extension, asset relocation, refuelling and in-orbit inspection. Looking forward, ESA aims to contribute to the creation of the demand for In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) in Europe by fostering both the service-offering side and to stimulate and enable the demand side of the developing IOS market. You will be supporting the team working on enabling the In-Orbit Servicing activities at ESA.
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.
Additional requirements
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.
Having a keen interest in Clean Space activities is beneficial and having a collaborative team spirit is highly valued.
For Topic 1:
knowledge and background in environmental and/or space system engineering and previous knowledge on LCA and Ecodesign methodology and tools are considered an asset.
For Topic 2:
knowledge and background in space debris mitigation and/or system engineering is an asset.
For Topic 3:
knowledge and background in space debris remediation and/or other in-orbit servicing and/or system engineering is an asset.
Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.
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 [email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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, Cyprus, 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Core Responsibilities
The intern will contribute to the Clean Space Office by supporting engineering studies, sustainability initiatives, and the development of methodologies for space debris mitigation and circular economy. They will assist in reviewing past studies, developing datasets for LCA databases, and enabling future in-orbit servicing capabilities.
Requirements
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's degree, and must be nationals of an ESA Member State. Proficiency in English or French is required, along with a strong interest in space sustainability and relevant academic background in engineering or environmental studies.
About ESA
Industry: Space Research and Technology
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space.