The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern in the Reusability Section of its Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, part of the 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: Reusability Section, Paris
🏛️ Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🧭 Role: Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, Reusability Section
🆔 Job requisition ID: 20972
🗂️ 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 flagship demonstrators
Technology Areas and Flagship 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 flagship demonstrators include Prometheus and Themis.
The STS-FR Section: Reusability of Space Transportation Systems
The STS-FR section is in charge of the technology maturations and flagship demonstrations related to reusability of space transportation systems and their associated support equipment. This is the section you would join.
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Your Role: Technical Project Support for the Reusability Section
You are expected to provide technical project support to the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which leads the maturation of the technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.
The main priority is determined jointly at the start of the internship, depending on the department's actual needs. The vacancy lists three possible priorities.
Priority 1: Business and Technical Intelligence on Reusable Launch Systems
You would conduct business and technical intelligence on reusable launch system development approaches. This means establishing and maintaining a synthesis of the different systems, realised or intended, in the US, China, India, Europe and other regions.
Priority 2: Global Space Transportation Analysis
You would conduct a global space transportation analysis using various internal and external sources. The work includes:
📊 Organising a synthesis by segment and by the associated transportation systems needed
🏷️ Comparing market studies received from contractors
💼 Assessing the business cases that are proposed
Priority 3: Support for Ongoing ESA Demonstration Projects
Depending on your technical capabilities and profile, you may provide support for specific tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects.
Running Support Activities
In addition to the main priority, the vacancy describes running support activities:
🥇 Supporting the BEST! Initiative on first stages reusability
🎪 Supporting the Access to Space Club, including the organisation of online and in-person events as needed
🤝 Identifying best practices and improvements in FLPP open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes
📚 Supporting FLPP knowledge management processes
🧰 Standardisation and simplification of project management processes, including the development and use of efficient tools for management
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. The ability to communicate and read in German is also 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 technical background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and/or propulsion (a strong asset)
📈 Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles (a strong asset)
🛰️ Knowledge of the worldwide space transportation industry and ongoing projects (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 Reusability Section internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The role belongs to the Reusability Section of the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department in the Space Transportation Directorate.
What does the Reusability Section work on?
The STS-FR section is in charge of the technology maturations and flagship demonstrations related to the reusability of space transportation systems and their associated support equipment.
What will the intern do?
You provide technical project support to the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme. The main priority is set jointly at the start of the internship and can be business and technical intelligence on reusable launch systems, a global space transportation analysis, or support for specific tasks in ongoing ESA demonstration projects.
What does business and technical intelligence on reusable launch systems involve?
It means establishing and maintaining a synthesis of the different realised or intended reusable launch systems in the US, China, India, Europe and other regions, based on their development approaches.
Which running support activities are part of the role?
The vacancy lists support for the BEST! Initiative on first stages reusability, support for the Access to Space Club including online and in-person events, identifying best practices in FLPP open competition procurement, and supporting FLPP knowledge management and project management processes.
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, and the ability to communicate and read in German is also an asset.
Which knowledge is an asset?
Knowledge and technical background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and/or propulsion, and knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles are strong assets. Knowledge of the worldwide space transportation industry and ongoing projects 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-Reusability-Section/1452792533/
📢 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
