Intern in the Lunar Science Office - Landing Site Assessment for Future Robotic Exploration Missions

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

ESA’s Lunar Science Office in Noordwijk seeks a motivated university student for an internship focused on evaluating candidate landing sites for future robotic Moon missions, supporting PROSPECT and Argonaut programs. You will analyze remote sensing data, map hazards, and contribute to mission planning with GIS tools.

You will gain hands-on experience in lunar geology, planetary mapping, and data analysis while collaborating with an international team on exploration objectives and operational

Qualifications

• You must be a university student and enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.
• Priority given to planetary science, geology, geophysics, remote sensing, geography, physics, computer science, aerospace engineering.
• Experience with data analysis, programming, machine learning, numerical modelling or GIS would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Identify and map landing hazards such as impact craters, boulders, steep slopes and rough terrain.
• Geological and geomorphological mapping of candidate exploration regions.
• Analyze lunar remote sensing datasets and terrain information.
• Perform surface mobility studies and rover traverse planning using GIS.
• Develop machine learning or deep learning approaches for automated feature detection.

Skills

GIS

Data analysis

Programming

Machine learning

Remote sensing

Education

Planetary science

Geology

Geophysics

Remote sensing

Geography

Physics

Computer science

Aerospace engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

ArcGIS

Job description

Intern in the Lunar Science Office - Landing Site Assessment for Future Robotic Exploration Missions

Job Requisition ID: 21121

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

Within the Exploration Science Office, the Lunar Science Office Team (HRE-SL) is responsible for scientific activities at the Moon in ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate.

These activities emphasise:

• understanding lunar resources and their potential for the future;
• understanding the lunar environment, its effects on human activities and the impact of human activities on the environment;
• preparing for future habitation at the Moon;
• working with other teams to support research into crew health and performance;
• preparing opportunities to utilise the Moon as a unique location for scientific research and an archive of Solar System history.

The team provides expert support to projects in areas relating to landing sites and the lunar environment and how these affect exploration missions.

Our activities operate across the missions and platforms of ESA, international partners, and new commercial actors.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

The Lunar Science Office at the European Space Agency's European Space Research and Technology Centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, is offering an internship opportunity focused on the assessment of candidate landing sites for future robotic exploration missions to the Moon. The work will support ongoing activities related to the PROSPECT mission, which aims to investigate water and other volatile materials near the lunar poles, and Argonaut, Europe's lunar lander programme. These activities contribute to the preparation of future scientific and exploration missions on the lunar surface.

During this internship, you will contribute to the characterization of potential landing sites and surface operations areas through the analysis of lunar remote sensing data and terrain information. You will work with a variety of datasets to identify and assess landing and mobility hazards, investigate geological and geomorphological features, and support mission planning activities.

Depending on your background and interests, your work may include:

• identification and mapping of landing hazards such as impact craters, boulders, steep slopes, and rough terrain;
• geological and geomorphological mapping of candidate exploration regions;
• analysis and interpretation of lunar remote sensing datasets;
• surface mobility studies and rover traverse planning using Geographic Information System software;
• development of machine learning or deep learning approaches for automated feature detection and classification;
• numerical modelling of surface conditions relevant to landing site safety and mission operations;
• support to the generation of scientific and operational products used in mission planning and decision making.

Through this internship, you will:

• gain an understanding of lunar geology and the processes that have shaped the lunar surface;
• become familiar with lunar remote sensing datasets and planetary mapping techniques;
• learn methods for detecting and characterising surface features such as craters, boulders, and roughness elements;
• develop practical experience with Geographic Information System tools for planetary exploration applications;
• acquire skills in scientific data analysis, machine learning, or numerical modelling, depending on the selected project;
• understand how scientific observations are translated into mission requirements and operational constraints for robotic exploration missions;
• gain first‑hand experience within an international space mission environment and contribute to activities supporting future European lunar exploration.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

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

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Priority will be given to candidates pursuing a degree in planetary science, geology, geophysics, remote sensing, geography, physics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Experience with data analysis, programming, machine learning, numerical modelling, or Geographic Information System software would be an advantage.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.