Our team and mission

This position is based at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) - Frascati, Italy

The Head of the Space Transportation Flight Programmes is responsible in particular for:

• Preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes;
• Leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except those entrusted to STS-I, STS-F and STS-S;
• Complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6 Competitiveness improvement programme, preparing all elements related to the Ariane 5/6 transition, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 exploitation;
• Complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega and Vega C transition and exploitation;
• Completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above;
• Establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments;

among others.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic: Validation of the flight safety deliveries of VEGA and Space Rider programs

In the frame of ESA Launch Vehicle system and Space Rider program (a reusable space service module), different deliveries are provided from industry to verify the safety robustness of the ascent and re-entry trajectories of the vehicle. According to the safety process of authorization to flight, these are then transmitted to CNES as French Regulator for final validation. The Safety Operational Office in the Space Transportation Directorate shall improve the verification methods of such delivered trajectories.
 

As an intern, you shall be able to create an automatic tool checking the validity of the inputs in formal and content terms (for ascent and re-entry vehicle). In such a context it shall be able to verify industry computation and if necessary limited trajectories simulation to cross-check the results. Use of MATLAB, EXCEL and ESA simulation tools will be expected. The first month you will familiarize with the VEGA and Space Rider world, in particular for what concern flight trajectories and dedicated safety process. The second part of the internship will be dedicated to the tool development and simulation. The final month will entail final tool validation and report drafting.

This activity will allow you to explore at system level two main programs of the ESA/STS department and be in touch with the regulations ensuring a safe and robust space flight. Technical exchanges would also foresee contacts with the French Space Agency and ESA TEC offices.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Additional Requirements:

The following additional background is considered as an asset:

• Experience with space trajectory simulation and mission analysis
• Experience of scientific coding language (Matlab, Python) 
• Knowledge and background in space engineering