The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for a university student to join its Mission Operations Department at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, as an intern working on data analysis for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and only nationals of ESA's participating and cooperating states can apply. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility detail below.
The Internship at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Operations Directorate and is based at ESOC in Darmstadt. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21127
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Operations
📍 Workplace: Darmstadt, DE
🏢 Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESOC, Darmstadt
The internship is located at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace within the Operations Directorate.
Our Team and Mission: Operating Spacecraft Around Mars
The Mars Orbiting Mission Operations Unit (OPS-OPM) is a team of 10 engineers. It is responsible for the operations of two spacecraft that are in orbit around Mars: the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express.
🛰️ Monitoring and control: keeping watch over the spacecraft and commanding them
🗓️ Mission planning: planning what the spacecraft do and when
🖥️ Ground systems: the related ground systems, such as data systems and ground stations
Your Place in the Flight Control Team
You will report to the Head of the Mars Orbiting Missions Operations Unit. You will be integrated in the Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express Flight Control Team, and your primary activity will be data analysis.
The Question You Will Investigate: Time Correlation
ExoMars observes variations in its time correlation evolution. The time correlation links the value of the spacecraft clock to UTC ground time. Sometimes this correlation stays stable for weeks, while at other times it drifts quickly out of limits within a few days.
Why the Correlation Changes
The time correlation can be influenced by many factors, and your job is to analyse what exactly causes the observed variations. The vacancy names the following possible influences:
🌡️ temperature
🪐 orbital geometry
📡 one-way light time
🕰️ ground station clock stability
🔎 further factors beyond these four
Working With the Flight Control Team
You will collaborate closely with the Flight Control Team (FCT) operating spacecraft at Mars and gain an understanding of interplanetary spacecraft operation. In dialogue with the FCT, you will learn how time correlation is performed and how deviations influence spacecraft operations.
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Learning Objectives
The learning objective is to get familiar with spacecraft operations and with the tools for data analysis, visualisation and interpretation of the results.
🚀 spacecraft operations
📊 data analysis tools
🖼️ visualisation
🧠 interpretation of the results
Possible Extra Project: Mars Express Solar Panels
Other analysis projects might be assigned if time allows. The vacancy mentions work related to the shadowing of the Mars Express solar panels and its influence on energy production.
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of the 2027 student internships, the internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with your ESA tutor. The announcement page is listed in the Links section below.
Education Requirement
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 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.
🍁 Cooperating State: applicants from Canada can apply as well
🤲 European Cooperating States (ECS): applicants from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well
Working Languages
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 That Will Help You
Beyond your studies, the vacancy asks for the following:
📈 proficiency in data analysis
🐍 experience in programming or scripting in Python, which is an asset
💬 your motivation for applying to this role, which will be explored during the interview
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
How Many Internships You Can Apply To
According to ESA's announcement of the 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Internship Conditions 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.
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 the contact address for this is listed in the Links section below.
Applying Through the Official ESA Careers Page
Applications go through ESA's own careers website, where the full vacancy text is published. You can read more about the two spacecraft on ESA's Mars Express operations and ExoMars TGO operations pages, which are listed in the Links section below.
Browse more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ExoMars data analysis internship based?
The internship is based at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, within ESA's Operations Directorate. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace.
What will I work on during the internship?
Your primary activity will be data analysis as part of the Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express Flight Control Team. You will analyse what causes the observed variations in the time correlation evolution of ExoMars, that is, the link between the spacecraft clock value and UTC ground time.
What is time correlation?
It is the correlation between the spacecraft clock value and UTC ground time. Sometimes it stays stable for weeks, while at other times it drifts quickly out of limits within a few days.
Who will I report to?
You will report to the Head of the Mars Orbiting Missions Operations Unit and be integrated in the Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express Flight Control Team.
Who can apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level, and you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
Applications are only considered 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 from Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well.
Do I need to know Python?
Experience in programming or scripting in Python is listed as an asset, so it strengthens an application. Proficiency in data analysis is listed as a requirement.
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 and when does it start?
According to ESA's announcement of the 2027 student internships, it lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with your ESA tutor.
How many internship vacancies can I apply to?
One candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Will there be tests or an interview?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. 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/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Mission-Operations-Department-ExoMars-Time-Correlation-Evolution-Data-Analysis/1452806733/
📢 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🚀 Mars Express operations: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Mars_Express_operations
🛰️ ExoMars TGO operations: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/ExoMars_TGO_operations
🌐 European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int
📨 ESA Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
