Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of the Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), Future Space Transportation Preparation (FLPP) accompanies European companies in maturing, demonstrating and applying the key enabling capabilities and technologies for space transportation – covering access to space, transport in space, and return from space.  

The Future Space Transportation Beyond LEO unit (STS-FL) works on diverse emerging topics such as in-space transportation (e.g. space logistics, in-space transportation vehicles, advanced in-space propulsion, orbital refilling infrastructures…), sustainability for space transportation (e.g. lifecycle assessment), software-centered technologies for space transportation (e.g. AI, digitalisation, digital twins, etc.), among others.

ESA's vision towards a sustainable and competitive space transportation ecosystem relies on an optimised fleet of reusable launchers injecting payloads on parking orbits, combined with a "hub & spoke" space logistics network: with space tugs to reach the final orbits (e.g., for constellations phasing, exploration missions) and orbital infrastructures to support in-orbit servicing (e.g., orbital propellant depots). 

Future Space Transportation is also responsible for parallel technology maturation projects for access to space and in-space transportation vehicles (e.g. for kick-stages, space-tugs) and orbital propellant depots (the Odyssey initiative).

For the in space part, In-space transportation Club was established as a unique professional network that brings together European SpaceTech stakeholders twice a year. The club sessions play a key role in:

• disseminating the outcomes of past and ongoing projects to the broader European ecosystem;
• gathering feedback to help steer future developments;
• supporting the adoption of interoperable interfaces developed under the InSPoC projects.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics for this internship opportunity, which consists of two available posts:

1) Topic 1: Future Space Transportation ecosystem support

You will contribute to the following activities: 

• support the InSPoC project manager and technical officers with steering the convergence, dissemination and adoption process of the different interfaces developed under the InSPoC projects;
• support the organisation and execution of upcoming In-space transportation club sessions;
• provide ad-hoc support to the organisation of the regular events associated with the InSPoC procurement scheme (e.g. convergence workshop, transverse working groups..);
• support the structuration and maintenance of the club members database.

2) Topic 2: In-space transportation technology maturation project support

You will contribute to the following activities:

• support FLPP with scouting of key technology trends impacting future space transportation systems
• support FLPP in-space transportation technology roadmapping process
• update and maintain FLPP technology and industry databases
• support mapping and monitoring of activity implementation in line with the outcomes of the of the ESA Ministerial Council 2025

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 studying 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.

The following criteria would be considered assets for both topics: 

• knowledge and background in space systems (notably transport, propulsion and/or mechanical engineering);
• knowledge of Technology Readiness Levels and project life cycles.