Intern – Lunar Science Office, Landing Site Assessment for Future Robotic Exploration Missions

European Space Agency - ESA

. Characterize potential lunar landing sites and surface operations areas .

Posted 10/31/2026internshipNoordwijk • NetherlandsEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in analyzing lunar remote sensing data and terrain information, with a strong foundation in machine learning and numerical modeling for mission operations. Proficient in Geographic Information System software for surface mobility studies and rover traverse planning.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lunar Remote Sensing Data AnalysisMachine LearningGeographic Information System SoftwareNumerical ModelingPlanetary Science

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisProgrammingMachine LearningNumerical ModelingGeographic Information System Software

Soft Skills

CommunicationCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Planetary ScienceGeologyGeophysicsRemote SensingAerospace Engineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Remote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Characterize potential lunar landing sites and surface operations areas
Analyze lunar remote sensing data and terrain information
Identify and assess landing and mobility hazards, including impact craters, boulders, steep slopes, and rough terrain
Map geological and geomorphological features of candidate exploration regions
Conduct surface mobility studies and rover traverse planning using Geographic Information System software
Develop machine learning or deep learning approaches for automated feature detection and classification
Perform numerical modelling of surface conditions relevant to landing safety and mission operations
Support generation of scientific and operational products for mission planning and decision making
Support activities related to the PROSPECT mission and Argonaut lunar lander programme
Translate scientific observations into mission requirements and operational constraints for robotic exploration missions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a Master's-level university course
Must be able to prove enrollment at university for the entire duration of the internship
Good knowledge of English or French required
Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset
Priority given to candidates pursuing a degree in planetary science, geology, geophysics, remote sensing, geography, physics, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field
Experience with data analysis, programming, machine learning, numerical modelling, or Geographic Information System software would be an advantage
Must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations
Applications considered only from nationals of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Applicants may be requested to undergo selection tests

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness
Support and necessary workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Assistance during the recruitment process for individuals with disabilities
First-hand experience within an international space mission environment
Practical experience with Geographic Information System tools for planetary exploration applications
Skills development in scientific data analysis, machine learning, or numerical modelling
Internship learning opportunities in lunar geology, remote sensing, planetary mapping, and mission planning