Our team and mission

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

HRE-FI, the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team, drives innovation in HRE projects and initiatives across diverse exploration destinations such as LEO, the Moon, Mars, and Earth analogues. The team develops and integrates advanced software and AI technologies to support flight experiments, operational tools, and simulators. By creating and executing strategic plans, we ensure alignment with ESA and HRE objectives, while exploring and using cutting-edge technologies like AI, XR (eXtended Reality), IoT (Internet of Things), and Quantum Computing to enhance mission capabilities for both flight and ground segments.

As a central hub for software innovation, the team collaborates with internal and external tech experts to highlight the crucial role of advanced software in exploration. The team is structured around four core pillars: AI, XR, IoT, and Quantum technologies, with data serving as a foundational element throughout. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective integration of state-of-the-art technologies, positioning the team at the forefront of exploration advancements.

You will be working with the AI LAB which is part of the Team for AI and Software in the Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration. AI plays a crucial role in enabling future space missions. From mission planning, smart space station companions and chatbots to automated navigation and route planning on other planets, it will be key to integrate AI-solutions into the future exploration roadmap.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Identify and Develop Artificial Intelligence solutions for Human Spaceflight and Robotic Missions

You will support the identification, development, and implementation of AI solutions to enhance human and robotic space missions. You support the identification and analysis of challenges in exploration which could be overcome with AI-enabled solutions and the definition of related projects. In this context, you might have the opportunity to develop and possibly test prototypes. Beyond that, you may be involved in day-to-day activities of ongoing projects.

The AI Lab aims to recruit 2 candidates. An internship duration of six months is preferred.

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.

Additional Requirements:

• Background in data science, computer science, information systems, innovation studies, or related field;
• Demonstrated experience with SQL, Python (pandas, numpy), or R for data analysis;
• Understanding of databases and cloud-based storage solutions;
• Familiarity with data management practices, including data collection, cleaning, and transformation;
• Awareness of machine learning concepts (even at a high level) and how data supports AI models;
• Ability to create clear and informative visualizations using tools like Matplotlib, Seaborn, or Tableau is considered a plus;
• Awareness of data governance stakes and potential mitigations is considered a plus;
• Ability to clearly explain highly technical and complex topics in a straightforward and understandable manner;
• Understanding of space industry and exploration missions is considered a plus.