The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for a project support intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department of its Space Transportation Directorate at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months, starts from February 2027 and is open to university students. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Internship Details: Paris, Space Transportation Directorate
🏛️ Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🧭 Role: Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, Project Support
🆔 Job requisition ID: 20970
🗂️ Directorate: Space Transportation
📍 Location: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
⏱️ Duration: 3 to 6 months
📆 Start: from February 2027, with the exact start agreed with your ESA tutor
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Future Space Transportation Team and Its Mission
The Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, FLPP) sits within the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS). It leads the maturation of the technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities required for future space transportation systems.
What the Team Is Responsible For
The team is responsible for:
🔬 Conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines
🧩 Supporting the assessment of the overall coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation
📝 Preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP)
🗺️ Leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation and the development of demonstrators
Technology Areas and Demonstrators
The FLPP Technology Roadmaps cover key technologies for future space transportation in these areas: Avionics & GNC, Structures, Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation. The development of demonstrators includes Prometheus and Themis.
Your Role: Project Support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme
As an intern you provide project support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which leads the maturation of the technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.
Supporting the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative
Your work on the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative includes:
📂 Supporting the project management of ongoing projects
📣 Supporting open OSIP calls, not necessarily limited to Propulsion but potentially also linked to other launcher technologies
📑 Supporting the preparation of the specific open competition procurement process for the next FIRST! Propulsion call, including the preparation and review of procurement documents
🗓️ Organising internal meetings
🧮 Evaluating proposals
🤝 Supporting negotiation and project kick-off
🛠️ Supporting the subsequent management of projects
Supporting the THRUST! Initiative
You also support the THRUST! Initiative, including the finalisation of the procurement of the next THRUST! phase. This covers the organisation of internal meetings, the evaluation of proposals, support to negotiation and project kick-off (as necessary).
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Supporting the Future Access to Space Club
Your tasks for the Future Access to Space Club are:
🎤 Organising online and in-person events as needed
📇 Maintaining the contact database
✅ Performance and follow-up of specific actions identified during club meetings (as necessary)
Procurement Best Practices and Technical Analysis
🔗 Identifying best practices and improvements in FLPP open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes
⚗️ Conducting technical analysis of proposals according to FLPP criteria and procedures, with a strong focus on liquid propulsion
Databases and Knowledge Management
🗄️ Managing and regularly updating FLPP databases, namely of technology evaluation and roadmapping and of European space companies intelligence gathering, with a focus on new space companies in Europe with a significant activity in propulsion
🧠 Supporting FLPP knowledge management processes
🧰 Standardisation, simplification and optimisation of project management processes, including the development and use of efficient tools for management and reporting
Launcher Technology Meetings and Workshops
🏢 Participating in and reporting on launcher technology and research meetings and workshops in order to assess potential technologies and identify potential providers
Who Can Apply: Student Status and Study Level
The vacancy asks for a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a 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.
Languages: English or French
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.
Motivation and Background ESA Values
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The vacancy lists the following background as an advantage:
🚀 Knowledge and background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and propulsion (a strong asset)
📈 Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles (a strong asset)
🇪🇺 Knowledge of the European Space Transportation industry (an asset)
Six Behavioural Competencies Behind the Role
The vacancy lists six ESA behavioural competencies. For more information, it refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🏁 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫂 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
Nationality Rules for This Internship
ESA considers applications only from nationals of one of these 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.
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with the ESA tutor.
Limit: Two Applications Per Candidate
ESA's announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies. Choose the offers that fit your studies best.
Selection Tests and Export Control Eligibility
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Applicants must also be eligible to access information, technology and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
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.
ESA values diversity and welcomes people with disabilities. Whenever possible, it 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 discuss this by email with the ESA internships team (the address is listed in the Links section below).
Does the Vacancy Mention Pay? Conditions and Disclaimer
The vacancy page does not state an allowance for this internship. If you want to understand how funded internships abroad work, read our guide. ESA also notes that the information on its careers website about internship conditions is correct at the time of publication, is not exhaustive and may not address all questions you have.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Future Space Transportation internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The role belongs to the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department of the Space Transportation Directorate.
What will a project support intern do?
You provide project support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme. Your tasks include supporting the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative and the THRUST! Initiative, supporting the Future Access to Space Club, conducting technical analysis of proposals with a focus on liquid propulsion, updating FLPP databases and reporting on launcher technology meetings and workshops.
What does the Future Space Transportation team work on?
The team leads the maturation of the technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities required for future space transportation systems. It conducts system studies, establishes Technology Roadmaps and prepares new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with your ESA tutor.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. 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?
ESA considers applications only from nationals of its listed 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.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Which knowledge is a strong asset?
Knowledge and background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and propulsion, is a strong asset. Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is also a strong asset, and knowledge of the European Space Transportation industry is an asset.
Can I apply for more than one ESA internship?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy page does not state an allowance. ESA notes that its published information on internship conditions is not exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Will there be selection tests?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (official vacancy): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Paris-Intern-in-the-Future-Space-Transportation-Preparation-Department-Project-Support/1452790333/
📢 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 internships contact: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
