Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

The internship will be in the Utilisation and Enabled Science Team, which coordinates the ESA research programme in Physical sciences and Biology, using various microgravity platforms including the International Space Station, Moon, and Mars. Projects cover a wide range of topics like Earth atmospheric measurement, ultraprecise cold atom sensors, quantum information and high-energy particles, soft or complex matter, boiling, evaporation and heat transfer, and advanced materials processing.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Moon water extraction simulation 

This internship aims to explore the exciting field of space exploration and resource management. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the study of water extraction on the Moon using advanced simulation techniques. You will work with the Delft Advanced Reservoir Simulation (DARSim) to model and analyze the extraction of water from lunar regolith. The primary goal is to optimize the extraction process and evaluate its feasibility for future lunar missions. Main tasks are:

1. Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on lunar water extraction methods;
2. Simulation Setup: Set up the DARSim software to model the lunar regolith and simulate the water extraction process. This includes defining the physical and chemical properties of the regolith;
3. Data Analysis: Analyze the simulation results to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of different extraction methods. Identify key factors that influence the extraction process and propose improvements.

2) Topic 2: Space based Manufacturing and Agriculture

Space based Manufacturing and Agriculture is fascinating and holds great potential for sustainable space exploration, exergy analysis offer a new view point. The activities include:

1. Literature Review: studying various manufacturing and agricultural systems designed for space environments, as well as understanding the principles of exergy analysis;
2. System Design and Modeling: Space agriculture system tailored for a specific space environment, such as the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon, or Mars. They will create detailed models of the system, including energy inputs, outputs, and resource flows;
3. Exergy Analysis: calculating the exergy efficiency of different components and processes within the system, identifying areas where energy is lost or wasted, and proposing improvements to enhance overall efficiency;
4. Simulation and Data Analysis: Using simulation software, the intern will simulate the operation of these systems under various conditions. They will analyze the simulation results to evaluate the system’s performance, identify potential bottlenecks, and assess the feasibility of different design choices.

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 in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and background in the following topics is an asset:

• Strong knowledge and experience of Modelling tool (Matlab, Python);
• Knowledge in fluid dynamics and thermodynamic (Energy, Exergy, Enthalpy).