The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Spaceship ECSAT team of its Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell, United Kingdom. Interns choose one of three topics: Robotics, VR/XR or Human Factors. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and the vacancy carries a specific UK eligibility condition explained below. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every detail.
The Vacancy at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration directorate and is based at ECSAT in Harwell. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21133
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
📍 Workplace: Harwell, GB
🏢 Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The UK Condition for This Internship
The vacancy states: due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
🇬🇧 UK citizens
🏫 students enrolled in a UK university
📄 those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration
The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE) is the main ESA entity in charge of supporting and coordinating efforts towards the current and the future endeavours of human spaceflight. The exploration activities are part of the strategic plans in securing a central role for Europe with respect to the global initiatives.
The strategy includes three destinations where humans will work with robots to gather new knowledge:
🌎 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
🌙 the Moon
🔴 Mars
What the Spaceship ECSAT Initiative Does
The "Spaceship ECSAT" 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 is composed of researchers, graduate and undergraduate students and is based at the ESA European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT). The founding idea behind the initiative is to prepare the future of space exploration. To do so, a pragmatic and research-focused approach is adopted, and the knowledge acquired is disseminated within ESA, partners and the relevant scientific community.
The Three Fields of Work
Within Spaceship ECSAT, the team carries out different projects in a number of fields:
🥽 demonstrating disruptive technologies such as Virtual/Augmented Reality, collaborative robotics and their potential use cases for exploration
⛏️ investigating novel concepts in the domain of Space Resources/In-Situ Resource Utilisation, to enable sustainable human exploration
🏠 topics related to 'off world living', e.g. human factors, design and concept illustration
The team is continually looking for innovative applicants with skills or interests in these areas to join Spaceship ECSAT. For more information, the vacancy points to the ESA blog on Spaceship ECSAT and to the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
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Choosing Your Internship Topic
You can choose among the following three topics:
🤖 Topic 1: Robotics
🕶️ Topic 2: VR/XR
🧑🚀 Topic 3: Human Factors
For each topic, the vacancy says that the Spaceship team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join its projects and contribute to ESA's exploration activities.
Topic 1: Robotics
The main areas in which the initiative is currently active in robotics are:
🕹️ remote manipulation
🔌 embedded systems
🧠 machine learning
Topic 2: VR/XR
The main areas in which the initiative is currently active in virtual and augmented reality are applications to:
🏋️ training
🎨 graphic design
🖥️ human-machine interfaces and robotics
Topic 3: Human Factors
The main areas in which the initiative is currently active in human factors are decision making and outreach, with a focus on:
⚙️ embedded systems
✏️ graphic design
🖱️ human-machine interfaces
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an ESA internship lasts 3 to 6 months. Internships start from February 2027 onwards, and the exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Who Can Apply: Education
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.
Skills and Background That Count as an Asset
The vacancy names the following as an asset:
🛠️ a background in robotics, computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering or a related field (Topic 1)
👓 an interest in virtual and augmented reality, simulation and visualisation (Topic 2)
🧭 an interest in human-machine interfaces (Topic 3)
Familiarity with tools such as ROS/ROS 2, Unreal Engine or Simulink, and an interest in their application to space exploration and planetary surface operations, would also be advantageous.
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.
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.
Behavioural Competencies
Six behavioural competencies are listed. For more information, the vacancy refers candidates to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🎯 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
🧩 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
Selection: Motivation Interview and Tests
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
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply For
ESA's 2027 student internship announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness at ESA
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants With Disabilities
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 its contact address is listed in the Links section below.
A Note on the Published Conditions
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.
Applying Through the Official ESA Careers Page
Applications go through ESA's own careers website, and the full vacancy text is published there. You can find more opportunities like this one in the internships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Spaceship ECSAT internship based?
The internship is based at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom, within ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration. The workplace is listed as Harwell, GB.
Who is eligible to apply for this internship in Harwell?
The vacancy states that, due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
Which topics can I choose from?
You can choose among three topics: Topic 1 Robotics, Topic 2 VR/XR and Topic 3 Human Factors. Robotics covers remote manipulation, embedded systems and machine learning, VR/XR covers virtual and augmented reality, and Human Factors covers decision making and outreach.
What does the Spaceship ECSAT team work on?
Spaceship ECSAT investigates low Technology Readiness Level technologies for supporting the future cislunar space mission and surface activities on the Moon, as part of the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team. Its fields include disruptive technologies such as VR/AR and collaborative robotics, Space Resources/In-Situ Resource Utilisation, and 'off world living'.
Who can apply in terms of education?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the whole duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's participating 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. This sits alongside the UK condition for the Harwell location described above.
Which tools and skills are an asset?
A background in robotics, computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering or a related field is an asset for Topic 1, together with an interest in virtual and augmented reality, simulation and visualisation for Topic 2 and in human-machine interfaces for Topic 3. Familiarity with ROS/ROS 2, Unreal Engine or Simulink is also advantageous.
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 long does the internship last?
According to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement, ESA internships last 3 to 6 months and start from February 2027 onwards. The start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internship vacancies can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies, according to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement.
Does the vacancy mention an allowance?
The vacancy page does not state any allowance or stipend. It also does not mention Erasmus+.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026 (23:59 CET/CEST)
Links
🔗 Job description and application: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Harwell-Intern-in-the-Spaceship-ECSAT-team/1452998933/
🌐 European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int
🛰️ ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
📨 ESA Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
