EsaAbout this role
Summary: Develops methods to reconstruct enhanced-resolution lunar surface imagery from repeated spacecraft observations. Validates the resulting products against higher-resolution reference data to support landing site characterisation.
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
The Mission Analysis Section is the solution architect for future terrestrial, lunar, minor-body and interplanetary missions, as well as scientific missions to other planets or missions to the libration points. The emphasis is on trajectory optimisation and attitude-related aspects, and on providing solutions for the spacecraft itself, the ground segment design, and operations preparations.
In recent years, the section has expanded its activities towards lunar surface analysis, supporting landing site selection, hazard assessment, and mission design for future Moon missions.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Future lunar missions require detailed knowledge of the surface environment for landing site selection and mission planning. However, the spatial resolution of existing lunar orbital imagery limits the detection and characterisation of sub-pixel scale terrain features, posing a risk to landing safety.
The objective of this internship is to investigate and develop methodologies for generating enhanced-resolution lunar surface imagery, by exploiting the slight differences in spacecraft position and camera pointing between repeated observations of the same area under similar lighting conditions. The working hypothesis is that reconstruction of surface details at a higher effective resolution than that of the original sensor should be achievable.
As an intern, you will have the following tasks:
- Review state-of-the-art techniques for multi-image super-resolution and image reconstruction;
- investigate the characteristics and limitations of existing lunar image datasets;
- utilise algorithms for precise image registration and sub-pixel alignment of lunar orbital imagery;
- implement reconstruction techniques combining multiple observations into enhanced-resolution products;
- assess the influence of illumination conditions, viewing geometry and image quality on reconstruction performance;
- validate the generated products using higher-resolution reference datasets where available;
- evaluate the potential benefits for lunar landing site characterisation, terrain mapping and hazard assessment.
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](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Competency_Framework.pdf)
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.
Knowledge and background in the following is an asset:
- Python / C++ coding;
- image processing.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek 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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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.
Nationality
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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).