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Position Title: Intern in the Mission Analysis Section, Safety Analysis for In-orbit Servicing Missions
Location: Darmstadt
Country: Germany
Deadline Date: 30 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries in Europe and collaborates with various international partners. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. The agency is involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, and is committed to fostering innovation and technological advancement in the field of space science and engineering.

Job Overview:
The Internship-position" id="link" class="link">Internship Position is located at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, within the Directorate of Operations. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Director of Operations and will be part of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department. This department is responsible for all ground systems engineering and support activities necessary for mission operations, as well as implementing innovative solutions. The intern will focus on safety analysis for in-orbit servicing missions, which are rapidly evolving and present unique challenges, particularly in terms of collision risk assessment. The intern will be expected to contribute to the development of methodologies for safety analysis, including the implementation of dynamical models and uncertainty propagation techniques, ultimately aiming to enhance the safety of in-orbit servicing missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with investigating safety aspects of in-orbit servicing missions through improved methodologies. Key responsibilities include:

• Implementing dynamical models suitable for close proximity operations into the C++/Python-based flight dynamics infrastructure (GODOT/MIDAS).
• Developing a fast method for propagating uncertainty, potentially using automatic differentiation techniques.
• Estimating collision probabilities by computing the intersection of ellipsoids.
• Validating results against those obtained from the Monte Carlo method with full dynamics.
• Analyzing numerical examples from ongoing ESA missions and comparing results.
• If time allows, optimizing a sequence of maneuvers while adhering to safety constraints using stochastic optimization techniques. The intern will also be expected to collaborate with team members and contribute to the overall objectives of the department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A strong foundation in engineering, physics, or a related field is essential, along with a demonstrated interest in space operations and safety analysis. Familiarity with Programming Languages, particularly C++ and Python, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related discipline. The internship is designed for students who are in their final or penultimate year of study, ensuring that they have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to contribute effectively to the project.

Experience:
While prior experience in space operations or safety analysis is not mandatory, any relevant internships, projects, or coursework that demonstrate a candidate's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems will be considered an asset. Candidates should be able to showcase their technical skills and any experience with programming or simulation tools related to flight dynamics or safety analysis.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional language from one of the ESA member states would be considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication within the diverse team and enhance collaboration on international projects.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations. ESA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency provides support for individuals with disabilities and aims to create an inclusive working environment. Applications are only accepted from nationals of specific ESA member states, as well as certain associate and cooperating states. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2024 at 23:59 CET/CEST.