Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Space Debris Office

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 Space Debris Office constitutes the focal point for ESA space debris activities and is responsible for coordinating the Agency’s space debris research activities, for all space debris related operational and analysis services in support of ESA missions, and for ESA’s cooperation on space debris issues at inter-agency level. Its work is centred around a wide range of operational and scientific analysis software, developed, maintained and operated under its control. Through the provision of domain expertise, the office is deeply involved in implementing the Agency’s zero debris approach, and technology development through ESA’s Space Safety Programme, as well as the technology development programmes. 

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will support the implementation and further development of ESA’s Zero Debris Approach, aligned with the Zero Debris Charter.  

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You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Your activities will include analysing the current and future evolution of the space debris environment and supporting ongoing and future satellite missions.  

2) Topic 2: You will contribute to topics such as debris mitigation and remediation techniques, the evaluation of new concepts, the development and application of methods to verify and qualify these concepts.  

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​Both topics will link with the use of new technologies to address operational needs. 

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​With a special focus on optical performance models for space debris detections or operational re-entry risk assessments, your activities will support mission development and linked analyses within the Space Safety Programme.  

​You will help define relevant studies, contribute to their technical follow-up, attend regular team meetings, and support coordination within a group of experts. You will also contribute to the further development of the Office’s analysis tools. 

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​You will be part of a small team, actively contributing to ongoing projects, research activities, and tool development, while presenting results to internal and international audiences.​ 

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.