The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Space Safety Programme, Space Debris Office, based at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany or ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and university students from ESA's participating states can choose between two topics linked to ESA's Zero Debris Approach. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every topic, task and requirement below.
The Internship at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Operations Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21074
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Operations
🏢 Programme and office: Space Safety Programme, Space Debris Office
📍 Workplace: Darmstadt, DE and Noordwijk, NL
🗺️ Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESOC Darmstadt or ESTEC Noordwijk
The vacancy lists two possible locations: ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, or ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Both Darmstadt, DE and Noordwijk, NL appear as the workplace for the role within the Operations Directorate.
Our Team and Mission: The ESA Space Safety Department
The ESA Space Safety Department takes care of all potential hazards and threats from space or in space, which can impact human activities, infrastructure, or related applications. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from human space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth.
It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.
Eight Entities Within the Space Safety Department
In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Department has the following entities:
🧱 Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM)
🗂️ COSMIC Project Management Office (OPS-SC)
☀️ Space Weather Office (OPS-SW)
🌍 Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP)
🛰️ Space Debris Office (OPS-SD)
♻️ Clean Space & Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY)
📻 Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF)
🧭 Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX)
The Space Debris Office
The Space Debris Office constitutes the focal point for ESA space debris activities and is responsible for coordinating the Agency's space debris research activities, for all space debris related operational and analysis services in support of ESA missions, and for ESA's cooperation on space debris issues at inter-agency level.
Its work is centred around a wide range of operational and scientific analysis software, developed, maintained and operated under its control. Through the provision of domain expertise, the office is deeply involved in implementing the Agency's zero debris approach, and technology development through ESA's Space Safety Programme, as well as the technology development programmes.
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Your Field of Activity: ESA's Zero Debris Approach
You will support the implementation and further development of ESA's Zero Debris Approach, aligned with the Zero Debris Charter. You can choose between two topics, and both link with the use of new technologies to address operational needs.
Topic 1: The Space Debris Environment and Satellite Missions
Your activities will include analysing the current and future evolution of the space debris environment and supporting ongoing and future satellite missions.
Topic 2: Debris Mitigation and Remediation
You will contribute to topics such as debris mitigation and remediation techniques, the evaluation of new concepts, the development and application of methods to verify and qualify these concepts.
Special Focus: Optical Performance Models and Re-entry Risk
With a special focus on optical performance models for space debris detections or operational re-entry risk assessments, your activities will support mission development and linked analyses within the Space Safety Programme.
What You Will Do Day to Day
The vacancy describes the following tasks:
📋 help define relevant studies and contribute to their technical follow-up
🗓️ attend regular team meetings
🤝 support coordination within a group of experts
🛠️ contribute to the further development of the Office's analysis tools
👥 be part of a small team, actively contributing to ongoing projects, research activities, and tool development
🎤 present results to internal and international audiences
Education Requirement
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.
Language 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.
Skills and Experience That Count as an Asset
The vacancy lists the following as an asset:
⚙️ good knowledge and background in engineering modelling, data science, simulation and mathematics
🐍 previous demonstrated experience with scientific computing in Python
🪐 knowledge of orbital mechanics
🚀 experience in space systems engineering
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists six ESA core behavioural competencies. For more information, the vacancy refers applicants to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook:
🏆 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
👥 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Which Nationalities Can Apply
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: 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.
Selection Process
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process, and you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Space Debris Office internship based?
The vacancy lists two locations: ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, or ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role sits within ESA's Operations Directorate.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
Which topics can I choose from?
You can choose between two topics. Topic 1 covers analysing the current and future evolution of the space debris environment and supporting satellite missions. Topic 2 covers debris mitigation and remediation techniques, the evaluation of new concepts, and methods to verify and qualify them.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are eligible?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's listed States, which include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and 22 others named in the vacancy.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
How many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
Do I need programming experience?
Previous demonstrated experience with scientific computing in Python is listed as an asset, together with engineering modelling, data science, simulation, mathematics, orbital mechanics and space systems engineering.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests, and applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Space-Safety-Programme-Space-Debris-Office/1452797833/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
