Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

The European and International Stakeholder Relations Team coordinates all interfaces with ESA Member States and international partners, supports the Director’s operational work and implements an effective stakeholder management of the Participating State delegations, the science community, industry and international partners to ensure an effective two-way flow of information.

In that function, our team is involved in the preparation of future activities for the three Destinations of the HRE European Envelope Programme (E3P): Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars. Many programmatic assessments are prepared for these activities, to enable informed decisions by the representatives of the ESA Member States participating to our Programme. Our team operates at the heart of the various groups implementing all the exploration activities.

While formally assigned to our team, you will join a multidisciplinary colleagues running the HRE Post-ISS studies with various European industrial consortia. This preparatory activity will consolidate programmatic information by mid-2025 in support of important decisions at political level by our Member States end 2025.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Post International Space Station (ISS) Business Analyst

LEO Post-ISS Infrastructure Studies
A sustained European human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the backbone of ESA’s exploration programme (Terrae Novae). Supported by a robust European Astronaut Corps, it entails a continuous use of the ISS until its decommissioning and preparation to allow a smooth transition to the next-generation infrastructure(s). European firms should be supported, based on past heritage, to participate in private consortiums for the provision of new space stations, to ensure European access while creating value in Europe and European participation in the commercial benefits.

Joining on-going industrial studies contracted by ESA with European consortia, you will contribute to an in-depth analysis of their proposed concepts for the Post-ISS era. At many regards, this is a new territory for all Agencies involved in the ISS Programme, and several aspects have to be looked at. While being exposed to the latest information available, you will focus on understanding the needs of the European industries to strive in their proposed concepts, while taking into account the programmatic boundary conditions of our ESA Member States.
Understanding their business models and how they differ from our current way to operate today (classical ESA-led industrial procurements), you will also assess how the role of the Agency could be adapted to better fulfil the emerging needs in the new Post-ISS LEO ecosystem.

This internship will provide a strong understanding of the role of space stations and other LEO infrastructure in scientific research, commercial applications, and international cooperation.
This internship will give you with a unique insight into ESA’s environment and its relationship with industry, Member States and other Agencies. You will develop your interdisciplinary skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication.
You will learn about the programmatic and strategic drivers in the decision-making processes of the Agency.

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:

• Pursuing a degree in Economics, Business, Space Studies, or a related field. Other fields may be considered with demonstrated experience in business and operational models’ analysis;
• Strong understanding of market analysis principles and economic concepts, with the ability to apply analytical and strategic thinking to various sectors, including space;
• Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of the LEO space sector, of its recent trends (for start-ups / SMEs / Mid-Caps / LSIs) is considered a plus;
• Proficient in synthesizing information from diverse sources to form comprehensive insights;
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders;
• Tech-Savvy: Proficient with data analysis methods, tools, and software;
• Independence: Capable of self-directed work while being open to guidance and collaboration. Maintains a balance between attention to detail and ability to focus to achieve progress in the broader picture.