Intern in the Systems Department - Development of PVT Algorithms for Lunar Users

ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 8,900 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands invites talented master's students to join the Systems Department as an Intern in the Development of PVT Algorithms for Lunar Users. You will contribute to Moonlight, a GNSS/navigation program, within the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section.

Under supervision, you will conduct research and implement PVT estimation algorithms for lunar navigation using measurements from a single Moonlight satellite, validate them by simulation, and analyze

Qualifications

• Must be a university student (Master's level) able to remain enrolled for the full duration of the internship.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with GNSS concepts and satellite navigation is expected.

Responsibilities

• conduct research and develop PVT estimation algorithms for lunar navigation using measurements from a single Moonlight satellite;
• develop, implement and validate the PVT algorithm(s) through simulation and performance assessment activities;
• perform sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of key error sources (ODTS and receiver clock errors);
• analyze additional information sources in the lunar environment (e.g., DEMs, Pathfinder signals) to improve navigation performance;
• evaluate algorithm performance under different lunar deployment scenarios.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

GNSS concepts

Education

Master's degree student

Job description

This internship, Intern in the Systems Department - Development of PVT Algorithms for Lunar Users, will be within the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section.

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible for supporting projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and supports the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.

The E2E Systems Division consists of five sections and associated laboratory facilities:

• Navigation Systems Definition Section;
• Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section;
• Systems Security Engineering Section;
• Telecommunication Systems and Techniques Section;
• E2E System Comms Section.

The Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section provides expert advice and engineering support to ESA projects, programmes, and studies in the fields of radio navigation and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

Moonlight is one of ESA's ongoing programmes, under which a Lunar Communications and Navigation System (LCNS) constellation is being developed to provide communication and navigation services for lunar environment.

The role includes advanced lunar navigation algorithms development capable of estimating a user's Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) using measurements from a single navigation satellite orbiting the Moon. The resulting capability will support the provision of navigation services during the initial deployment phase of the Moonlight system, when only a single navigation satellite may be available before the full constellation is established.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Advanced lunar navigation algorithms development capable of estimating PVT using measurements from a single navigation satellite orbiting the Moon.

Your tasks will include:

• conducting research and developing innovative algorithm(s) for Position, Velocity and Time (PVT) estimation in the lunar environment using measurements (i.e. doppler and code) from a single Moonlight navigation satellite;
• developing, implementing and validating the PVT algorithm(s) through simulation and performance assessment activities;
• performing sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of key error sources, including satellite orbit determination and timing synchronisation (ODTS) and receiver clock errors;
• investigating and analysing the use of additional information sources available in the lunar environment, such as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and communication signals from the ESA Pathfinder satellite, to enhance navigation performance;
• evaluating the algorithm performance under different lunar operational scenarios, including the initial Moonlight deployment phase when only a single navigation satellite may be available.

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

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.

You should also have:

• good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages;
• familiarity with Satellite based navigation concepts such as Earth GNSS.

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.

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.