The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in space applications for the mobility sector at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom, where you will explore how satellite communications, satellite navigation and Earth observation can power new automotive and micro-mobility services. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and the role is open to university students who meet the nationality and location conditions set out below. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility detail.
The Vacancy at a Glance
This internship sits in ESA's Commercialisation and Industry Partnership directorate and is based at ECSAT in Harwell. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20981
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Commercialisation and Industry Partnership
📍 Workplace: Harwell, GB
🏢 Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Who Can Apply Given the Harwell Location
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.
Our Team and Mission: ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions
ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) aims to demonstrate that space is open for business and has the power to improve our everyday lives on Earth. This is done by helping companies in ESA's member states develop innovative services and products that use data from existing space assets, such as satellite communication, Earth observation, satellite navigation and human spaceflight technologies, in combination with terrestrial technologies, to deliver sustainable services for the benefit of user communities.
How the Programme Turns Ideas Into Services
Operating at the intersection of innovation and business, the programme helps stakeholders address commercial and technical risks throughout the development lifecycle. It transforms commercially promising space-based application concepts into operational, profitable and self-sustaining applications.
Acting as a trusted mediator between user communities, the space industry and service providers, ESA BASS is committed to demonstrating the transformative power of space technology in improving everyday life on Earth.
Why Mobility Is a Sector With Space Potential
Mobility is one of the sectors with significant potential for innovative services that integrate space technologies. The green transition currently under way, together with the digitalisation and automation of transport, brings countless opportunities for innovation across the entire chain.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in United Kingdom →
────────────────────────────────────────
Fields of Activity for the Internship
Through this internship, you will gain, particularly in the context of the automotive and micro-mobility sectors:
🧭 a comprehensive overview of innovative services based on integrated space-based data and terrestrial technologies
🚘 an in-depth understanding of future trends in the automotive industry and the emerging role of the space industry in the automotive value chain
📈 experience in business development and an understanding of business models
The Market Focus: Automotive and Micro-Mobility
You will aim to build a comprehensive understanding of the market opportunities in the mobility sector for downstream space applications, to support the development of sustainable, green and innovative applications. The emphasis will be on the automotive and micro-mobility industries, where ESA has a number of working groups and initiatives with external partners.
Your Tasks as an Intern
As an intern, you will have the following tasks:
🔎 identifying and characterising commercial opportunities for innovative services and applications in the mobility sector, exploiting space assets such as satellite communications, satellite navigation and Earth observation
🤝 supporting the identification of and engagement with champion industry stakeholders and public entities that may become potential customers and users of the mobility services identified
🗂️ supporting the characterisation, documentation and organisation of relevant industrial contacts and stakeholders
🧩 identifying gaps in existing technologies and services and supporting the identification of new developments in both terrestrial and space-based technologies, including emerging technologies
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.
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.
Assets That Count in Your Favour
The following are considered assets:
🚙 knowledge of the automotive sector
💼 knowledge of business development and commercial topics
💡 an interest in new and emerging technologies
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
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: 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 Eligibility
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, where the full vacancy text is published and the Apply now button is available. You can find more opportunities like this one in the internships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the mobility sector internship based?
The internship is based at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom, within ESA's Commercialisation and Industry Partnership directorate. The workplace is listed as Harwell, GB.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will identify and characterise commercial opportunities for innovative mobility services that use space assets such as satellite communications, satellite navigation and Earth observation. You will also support engagement with industry stakeholders and public entities, document industrial contacts and identify gaps in existing technologies and services.
Who can apply for this internship in Harwell?
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. You must also be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, able to prove enrolment for the whole internship.
Which nationalities does the vacancy list?
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.
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.
Do I need experience in the automotive sector?
Knowledge of the automotive sector is listed as an asset, along with knowledge of business development and commercial topics and an interest in new and emerging technologies. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
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. Applicants must also be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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-Space-Applications-for-the-Mobility-Sector/1452920233/
🌐 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
