Our team and mission

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

The Space Rider team’s task is to develop, qualify and fly the vehicle; performance of the first mission will encompass the management of all payloads accommodated in the cargo bay and take them back to earth. Requested activities will be directed to the development of the necessary elements to perform interoperability maneuvres of the vehicle with external objects.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Preliminary study for Close-Proximity Operations and In-Orbit Services with Space Rider

You will actively take part to the preliminary study for Close-Proximity Operations and In-Orbit Services with Space Rider, in continuity with the already initiated work by the previous intern in our division. The activities will include the study of literature references, definition of proper system requirements and general guidelines, identification of vehicles limits and constraints, identification of interface standards and relative Technology Readiness Levels. Preparation of system level technical models using software tools will be core part of candidate activities. The candidate will experience technical aspects in the area of Guidance Navigation and Control domain, regarding absolute and relative navigation procedures, orbital mechanics for rendez-vous and docking operations, robotics for space applications.
In addition, you will contribute to technical documents preparation, participation to technical meetings and contribute to scientific articles and publications.

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.

Educational knowledge on GNC, orbital mechanics, robotics and software simulation tools is required.