Intern in the Mission Operations Department - ExoMars Time Correlation Evolution Data Analysis

Our team and mission

The Mars Orbiting Mission Operations Unit (OPS-OPM) is a team of 10 engineers responsible for the operations of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and the Mars Express spacecraft in-orbit around Mars. This includes monitoring, control and mission planning of the spacecrafts and related ground systems (e.g. data systems, ground stations). 

For more information about Mars Express operations: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Mars_Express_operations

For more information about ExoMars/TGO operations: https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/ExoMars_TGO_operations

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​You will report to the Head of the Mars Orbiting Missions Operations Unit. While integrated in the Trace Gas Orbiter and Mars Express Flight Control Team, your primary activity will be data analysis. 

​ExoMars observes variations in its time correlation evolution. Sometimes the “spacecraft clock value to [UTC] ground time correlation” is stable for weeks while at other times the correlation drifts quickly out of limits within a few days.  

​Since the time correlation can be influenced by many factors (temperature, orbital geometry, one-way-light-time, ground station clock stability, etc) you shall analyse what exactly causes the observed variations in the time correlation evolution.  

​You will collaborate closely with the Flight Control Team (FCT) operating spacecraft at Mars and gain an understanding of interplanetary spacecraft operation. In dialogue with the FCT, you will learn how time correlation is performed and how deviations influence spacecraft operations.  

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​The learning objective is to get familiar with spacecraft operations, tools for data analysis, visualisation and interpretation of the results. 

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​Other analysis projects related to the shadowing of the Mars Express solar panels and its influence on energy production might be assigned if time allows.​ 

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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.

Additional 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.

You should be proficient in data analysis. 

Experience in programming/scripting in Python would be an asset.