Our team and mission

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible, among others, for:

• conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines;
• supporting the assessment of proper coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and development of demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

The STS-FR section is responsible for technology maturation and flagship demonstrators related to the reusability of space transportation systems.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Launcher Propulsion Technology Maturation Project Support

As part of your role, you will provide technical project support in the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.

The main priority will be determined jointly at the start of your internship depending upon the department’s actual needs:

• business intelligence on reusable launch systems development logics, establishing a synthesis of the different realised or intended systems in US, China, India, Europe;
• conduct global space transportation survey from various sources internal and external, organize a synthesis by segment and associated needed transportation systems, and compare with market studies received from contractors;
• depending on your profile and technical capabilities, specific work on In-Space upper stage refueling system study.

In addition, and as running support activities:

• support to the BEST! Initiative – preparation of the next open call; organisation of on-line and in-person events as needed; 
• support to the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed;
• identification of best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes;
• support to FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including use of/creation of efficient tools for management.

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.

• knowledge and background in space, specifically space transportation vehicle, propulsion is a strong asset;
• knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset;
• knowledge of the Space Transportation industry is an asset.