The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the CO2M mission in its Earth Observation Projects Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you would choose between two topics and work on the on-ground characterisation and calibration data of the satellites that will monitor human-made CO2 emissions from space.
ESA CO2M Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21181
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🚀 Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The CO2M Mission: Monitoring Human-Made CO2 Emissions From Space
The CO2M mission aims at monitoring the anthropogenic CO2 emissions from space. It is a key element providing the European Commission with the means to monitor worldwide, at a high spatial resolution, the evolution of the main greenhouse gases.
Three Optical Instruments on One Spacecraft
The CO2M spacecraft is made of three optical instruments:
🔬 CO2I: a CO2 and NO2 Imaging Spectrometer, the main instrument, which measures the spectral signature of CO2 in the NIR and SWIR domains.
🌪️ MAP: a Multi Angle Polarimeter, which measures aerosol concentrations to improve the retrieval of the CO2.
☁️ CLIM: a Cloud Imager, which flags the acquisitions performed in the presence of clouds.
Where the Mission Stands: Flight Models and On-Ground Calibration
Flight models of the three instruments are now available and their on-ground characterisation and calibration have started. According to the vacancy, such an on-ground campaign is a key step in the build-up of the database used for the data processing of the in-flight measurements to come.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
Choose Your Topic: Two Internship Options
The vacancy states that you can choose among two topics: Topic 1 on the CO2I instrument, or Topic 2 on the MAP and CLIM instruments. Both follow the same path, from learning the instrument concept to processing real characterisation data.
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Topic 1: The CO2I Instrument
In the first instance, you would familiarise yourself with the concept of the CO2I instrument, in particular its optical design and its detection chain architecture. You would then get familiar with the optical ground support equipment used to perform the characterisation of the instrument and with the processing chain developed to extract the key performance parameters from it, the so-called Calibration Key Data.
A large quantity of data has already been recorded during the first CO2I characterisation and calibration campaigns, and its processing has started. You would be involved in the processing of this large set of data, and in further developing the existing simulators of the instrument acquisitions and processing to refine the understanding of the mission performances.
Topic 2: The MAP and CLIM Instruments
In the first instance, you would familiarise yourself with the concept of the MAP and CLIM instruments, in particular their optical design and their detection chain architecture. You would then get familiar with the optical ground support equipment used to perform the characterisation of the instruments and with the processing chain developed to extract the key performance parameters from it, the so-called Calibration Key Data.
A large quantity of data has already been recorded during the first MAP and CLIM characterisation and calibration campaigns, and its processing has started. You would be involved in the processing of this large set of data, and in further developing the existing simulators of the instrument acquisitions and processing to refine the understanding of the mission performances.
What You Will Do During the Internship
Whichever topic you pick, the work follows the same steps:
📚 Familiarising yourself with the instrument concept, its optical design and its detection chain architecture.
🧰 Getting familiar with the optical ground support equipment used to characterise the instrument.
⚙️ Learning the processing chain that extracts the key performance parameters, the Calibration Key Data.
🗂️ Processing the large set of data already recorded during the first characterisation and calibration campaigns.
🧪 Further developing the existing simulators of the instrument acquisitions and processing.
📐 Refining the understanding of the mission performances.
Who You Would Work With
You would work with the engineers responsible for the instruments, together with the optical engineer, the detection chain engineer and the performance engineers.
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. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Software and Language Requirements
A good knowledge of MATLAB (or Python) software is required.
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.
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies. The vacancy lists these six:
🎯 Result Orientation
🛠️ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
📞 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
Please note that 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.
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Selection Tests and Interview
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.
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. The contact email for this is listed at the end of this post.
Important 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. The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA CO2M internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within ESA's Earth Observation Projects Department in the Earth Observation Programmes directorate.
What is the CO2M mission?
CO2M is a mission that aims at monitoring the anthropogenic CO2 emissions from space. It gives the European Commission the means to monitor worldwide, at a high spatial resolution, the evolution of the main greenhouse gases.
Which instruments are involved?
The CO2M spacecraft carries three optical instruments: the CO2I imaging spectrometer for CO2 and NO2, the MAP multi angle polarimeter for aerosol concentrations, and the CLIM cloud imager that flags acquisitions made in the presence of clouds.
Which topics can I choose from?
You can choose between Topic 1, which focuses on the CO2I instrument, and Topic 2, which focuses on the MAP and CLIM instruments. Both involve processing characterisation and calibration data and developing instrument simulators.
What will I work on during this internship?
You would learn the instrument concept, its optical design and its detection chain architecture, get familiar with the optical ground support equipment and the processing chain for the Calibration Key Data, and take part in processing a large set of recorded data. You would also further develop the existing simulators to refine the understanding of the mission performances.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year 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. You must also be a national of one of the States listed in the vacancy.
Which software skills do I need?
A good knowledge of MATLAB (or Python) software is required.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA 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 is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21181): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Earth-Observation-Projects-Department-CO2M-mission/1452878833/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
