The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Astrophysics Section of the Prodex Office in its Future Missions 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 contribute to the preparatory work for the nuANCESTOR mission, a Swiss-led mission that uses a space-based Laser Frequency Comb to calibrate ground-based spectrographs.
ESA Prodex Office Astrophysics Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20950
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🚀 Directorate: Science
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Future Missions Department: Team and Mission
The Future Missions Department is responsible for preparing future missions, as well as defining and implementing Small/Fast missions within the Directorate of Science. The vacancy names SMILE, Comet-Interceptor and ARRAKHIS as examples.
What PRODEX Is
Within the Future Missions Department, PRODEX is an optional programme dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions.
The Astrophysics Section (SCI-FEA) of the PRODEX Office
In the PRODEX Office, the Astrophysics and International Collaboration Missions Section (SCI-FEA) addresses a subset of PRODEX activities. The section's remit includes:
🛰️ The implementation and monitoring of activities and developments related to astrophysics and fundamental physics science missions, such as ATHENA, LISA, SMILE and ARIEL.
🤝 Activities involving international external partners, some of them with export control constraints.
🌍 Developments in other domains handled by the Office, which may also be entrusted to the section, for example Earth observation-related developments.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in the Netherlands →
────────────────────────────────────────
Field of Activity: The nuANCESTOR Mission
This internship in PRODEX offers an opportunity to contribute to the preparatory work for the nuANCESTOR mission. The name stands for frequency ANchor for Cross-calibration of Extreme preciSion asTronOmical spectRographs.
This Swiss-led mission uses a space-based Laser Frequency Comb for absolute calibration and cross-calibration of extreme-precision radial velocity ground-based spectrographs.
Industrial Developments Behind nuANCESTOR
The industrial development for this project has already started in the field of opto-electronics, telescope design and GNSS. As an intern, you will work on the mission definition and will also have the opportunity to get involved in any one or more of these industrial developments, based on your education, background and aptitude.
What You Will Do During the Internship
Your role within this project will include the following tasks:
📝 Work on mission definition for nuANCESTOR with the institute and industrial partners.
🔧 Interface with ESA technical experts on various sub-system developments.
🏭 Support the monitoring of an industrial activity related to nuANCESTOR.
What You Will Learn
During the course of this project, you will learn about:
🪐 Exoplanet detection and characterisation.
🌈 Astronomical spectroscopy.
🔬 Space optical and opto-electronic instruments design and development.
📈 Technological Readiness Levels of space missions.
⚖️ The trade-offs involved in the sub-system design for a successful mission.
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.
Language and Interview 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.
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Skills and Background That Count as an Asset
Knowledge and background in astronomical space instrumentation including optics, detectors, thermal and electronics is an asset.
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
During the recruitment process, the Agency may 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.
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 Prodex Office astrophysics internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Astrophysics Section of the PRODEX Office in ESA's Future Missions Department, part of the Directorate of Science.
What is PRODEX?
PRODEX is an optional programme within the Future Missions Department dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions.
What is the nuANCESTOR mission?
nuANCESTOR (frequency ANchor for Cross-calibration of Extreme preciSion asTronOmical spectRographs) is a Swiss-led mission that uses a space-based Laser Frequency Comb for absolute calibration and cross-calibration of extreme-precision radial velocity ground-based spectrographs.
What will I work on during the internship?
You would work on mission definition for nuANCESTOR with the institute and industrial partners, interface with ESA technical experts on various sub-system developments, and support the monitoring of an industrial activity related to nuANCESTOR. You may also get involved in one or more of the industrial developments in opto-electronics, telescope design and GNSS.
What will I learn?
The vacancy lists exoplanet detection and characterisation, astronomical spectroscopy, the design and development of space optical and opto-electronic instruments, Technological Readiness Levels of space missions, and the trade-offs involved in sub-system design for a successful mission.
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 skills are an asset?
Knowledge and background in astronomical space instrumentation, including optics, detectors, thermal and electronics, is an asset.
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.
Do I need to be eligible for export control and sanctions regulations?
Yes. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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 20950): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Future-Missions-Department-Astrophysics-Section-of-the-Prodex-Office/1452872533/
📰 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
