Intern in the Studies and Technologies (ExPeRT) Team

Our team and mission

The Studies and Technology (ExPeRT) Team plans and implements preparatory mission concepts, system studies and technology development activities funded by the E3P for all ESA exploration destinations, including LEO, Cis-lunar space, Moon, Mars and other exploration destination as may be defined; manages to completion all legacy/ongoing technology and study activities and incorporates their outcomes into future technology planning and implementation; coordinates with the HRE Operations Architect the development of the operations architecture for all HRE missions during the conceptual definition phase; leads the development of Spaceships and similar low TRL technology development initiatives, among other tasks. 

The “Spaceship EAC” initiative is investigating low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies for supporting the future cislunar space mission as well as surface activities on the Moon as part of the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team. This multidisciplinary, innovation-driven team composed by researchers, graduate and undergraduate students is based at the ESA European Astronaut Centre (EAC). The mission statement of “Spaceship EAC” is centered on three main pillars: enhance, enable, and inspire. The founding idea behind this initiative is indeed to enhance the capabilities of EAC via exploiting the spaceflight experience of the centre to develop and validate new operational concepts and valuable technologies in support of lunar human exploration scenarios. A pragmatic and research focused approach is adopted, and knowledge acquired is disseminated within ESA and the relevant scientific community.

Within Spaceship EAC, we have several fields where we carry out different projects. These fields are:

• investigating novel concepts in the domain of Space Resources/In-Situ Resource Utilisation, to enable sustainable human exploration
• using advanced manufacturing methodologies, such as additive manufacturing, for projects within the centre and for space exploration
• demonstrating novel energy systems and concepts for future exploration as well as for the LUNA analogue facility at EAC
• developing new ideas around medical technologies, for example, using machine learning techniques to support long term exploration
• topics related to ‘off world living’, e.g., human factors, design, and concept illustration
   

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Spaceship EAC

Spaceship EAC – our team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects. The main areas into which the initiative is currently active are energy production and storage; radiation shielding; In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), materials and additive manufacturing; exercise hardware and countermeasure concepts; machine learning for exploration; robotics and human factors; conceptual illustration/design.

2) Topic 2: VR/AR Projects

Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality – we have previously successfully developed novel approaches to using these two technologies for activities within EAC (e.g., training, design reviews). Continued development of these projects is planned, and we are looking for students with skills and interest in this area to join the team and help advance this topic.

3) Topic 3: Collaborative Robotics

Collaborative Robotics – activities involving both humans and robotic systems working together have long featured in exploration roadmaps. In the past, Spaceship EAC has worked closely with colleagues from other ESA sites with this topic in mind. Concepts relating to human centered design for robotic interfaces, collaborative assembly and control methodologies are of interest. 

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.

1) Topic 1: Spaceship EAC – Our team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects. The main areas into which the initiative is currently active are energy production and storage; radiation shielding; In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), materials and additive manufacturing; exercise hardware and countermeasure concepts; machine learning for exploration; robotics and human factors; conceptual illustration/design.

2) Topic 2: Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality – We have previously successfully developed novel approaches to using these two technologies for activities within EAC (e.g., training, design reviews). Continued development of these projects is planned, and we are looking for students with skills and interest in this area to join the team and help advance this topic.

3) Topic 3: Collaborative Robotics – Activities involving both humans and robotic systems working together have long featured in exploration roadmaps. In the past, Spaceship EAC has worked closely with colleagues from other ESA sites with this topic in mind. Concepts relating to human centered design for robotic interfaces, collaborative assembly and control methodologies are of interest. Students with skills and experience in this area are welcome to apply.