Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) – Darmstadt, Germany

Under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, the Head of the Mission Operations Department is responsible for the preparation and conducting of flight operations for all ESA missions. For this purpose, the Head of the Mission Operations Department is the primary interface of OPS towards the Programme Directorates. In addition to operational support to ESA customer missions, the Head of Department is responsible for the support to missions of external customers and, in particular, to missions of other space agencies. Operational activities include both spacecraft and related ground segment operations.

In the execution of these functions, the Head of Department is assisted by the:

• Earth Observation Missions Division (OPS-OE);
• Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division (OPS-OA);
• Solar System and Exploration Missions Division (OPS-OP);
• Special Applications Missions Division (OPS-OG);
• Ground Facilities Operations Division (OPS-ON);
• Advanced Concepts and Management Support Office (OPS-OS).

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Mission Operations Department, the Head of the Earth Observation Missions Division is responsible for the ground segment and mission operations implementation for the ESA and EU earth observation missions. The responsibilities of the Division start typically from Phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until end of mission. The Head of Division acts as the OPS interface to the ESA Project (and later Mission) Manager of these missions and carries responsibility for all technical, financial and schedule aspects of the ground segment and operations implementation and execution. The Head of Division is responsible for directing and executing flight operations in all mission phases, in particular acting as Flight Operations Director for preflight simulations, for Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and for critical and commissioning phase operations.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Sentinel-1 Flight Operations Optimisation

The Sentinel-1 mission, operated at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), is a cornerstone of the Copernicus Earth Observation programme. With the upcoming launch of Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D, the constellation will be refreshed to continue its critical role in monitoring environmental changes and supporting disaster response. During over 10 years of operations, the ground systems supporting Sentinel-1 have been consistently updated, ensuring the mission’s success. However, there are new tools now available that could enhance operator experience and streamline workload and the extensive operational experience gained has also highlighted areas where processes can be optimized.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the real-world mission operations of a flagship Earth Observation spacecraft. You will gain hands-on experience with the ground systems and operations concepts used to control a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission, becoming familiar with the breadth of knowledge it takes to fly a spacecraft. As a candidate for this internship, a solid understanding of both spacecraft operations and coding would be advantageous, as the role will need to both work with operators to understand the needs, as well as configuring or developing small software tools to meet those needs.

While the primary focus will be on Sentinel-1, the solutions developed during this internship will be shared and potentially applied across all Sentinel missions operated from ESOC, amplifying the impact of your work. The exact project for this internship can be chosen by you from a list of ideas. For example, you may be involved in configuring and testing new software products designed for the mission, or in developing small, self-contained helper tools to support operations. Another key area of focus could be writing scripts that integrate existing tools, thereby improving automation and overall operational efficiency.

Through these tasks, you will play a vital role in ensuring that the Sentinel missions continue to operate smoothly and effectively, all while gaining invaluable experience in the field of spaceflight operations.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and background in spacecraft operations, particularly in Low Earth Orbit, would be an asset.

Familiarity with Python (or similar) programming and web-based applications, especially their integration with APIs and existing data sources and systems would be advantageous.