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

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency’s Lunar Science Office in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, offers an internship focused on assessing candidate landing sites for future lunar missions. You will analyze lunar remote sensing data and terrain information to support mission planning for PROSPECT and Argonaut programs.

As part of a global team, you will perform geological and geomorphological mapping, develop GIS-based mobility analyses, and explore ML approaches for automated feature detection, with mentorship

Qualifications

• You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of Master’s level.
• Enrolment at your university for the entire duration of the internship is required.
• Experience with data analysis or programming is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Identify and map landing hazards using lunar datasets.
• Analyze remote sensing and terrain information for candidate sites.
• Support mission planning with data-driven products and GIS tools.
• Develop ML/DL approaches for feature detection in planetary data.
• Assist in geological mapping and surface geology interpretation.

Skills

Remote sensing

GIS

Machine learning

Programming

Education

Master's student

Tools

GIS software

Job description

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

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.

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.