Our team and mission

The Ground Segment Team is composed of telecommunications professionals collaborating in a systematic way to provide expert support in the management and implementation of the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Programme, under the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

The team plays a key role in advancing innovative ground segment technologies, products, and services for satellite communications. Our overarching goal is to enhance the capabilities and global competitiveness of ESA Member States' industry in the global satellite communications market.

In the context of satellite communications, the ground segment refers to all infrastructure and equipment located below 100 km altitude. This includes the systems responsible for satellite control and communication, encompassing the technologies and products needed to receive, process, and transmit data between satellites, ground stations, and end users.

Among their responsibilities, the members of the ground segment team initiate, monitor, and manage product-oriented activities within the ARTES Core Competitiveness programme element. They also lead industry roadmap meetings focused on ground and user segment products, identifying innovation opportunities and evolving needs in satellite communication services.

With their broad and diverse expertise, the team contributes to market intelligence, strategic planning, and the development of initiatives that address the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary space telecommunications infrastructure and services.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: AI-driven ground segment automation 

The digital transformation and virtualisation of the satcom ground segment are progressing rapidly, laying the foundation for AI-driven automation, a key enabler for optimising operational efficiency, reducing both capital and operational costs, and enhancing the flexibility and scalability of ground networks. This evolution is being propelled by increasing market demands and the rapid advancement of AI technologies.

With the proliferation of satellite constellations, satellite operators are becoming more pragmatic in leveraging AI to generate value. AI integration is becoming essential, particularly in areas such as mission control monitoring, troubleshooting and diagnostics, operations optimisation and data management and distribution.

AI also intersects with critical domains such as resilience, cybersecurity, and sovereignty, alongside evolving regulatory frameworks, all of which are gaining strategic importance worldwide.

Moreover, the emergence of 6G as the first AI-native technology further highlights the urgency of promoting and de-risking AI adoption in the satellite communications ground segment. This is essential for achieving true convergence with terrestrial 6G networks, particularly from a TN-NTN integration perspective.

During your internship, you will contribute to this strategic transformation through the following activities:

• investigate AI technologies adopted by satellite and network operators to deliver flexible services across multidomain networks using diverse orbits, waveforms, and frequency bands;
• analyse the technical impact of AI-driven automation on the performance, adaptability, and operational efficiency of satellite communication networks;
• analyse the economic implications of introducing AI automation solutions, enabled by the rapid development and commercialisation of advanced AI models;
• synthesise a set of actionable tasks that advance AI-driven ground segment automation, ensuring alignment with the ESA’s Tech Vision 2040 for AI-powered innovation in space technologies and the development of smart ground segment operations.

By the end of this internship, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the key technologies driving the automation of satellite communications ground segment in the AI era. This will prepare you to contribute to future innovations in this dynamic and strategic domain for the satcom industry.

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 studying 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 one or more of the following domains is an asset:

• artificial intelligence and data science: understanding of machine learning and deep learning principles, including supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, and AI model evaluation techniques;
• satellite communications: knowledge of satellite systems, mission control operations, ground segment architecture, and networking principles;
• process and systems engineering: ability to analyse and model complex systems, with a focus on automation and optimisation;
• business and strategy: awareness of market dynamics, strategic growth drivers, and the impact of disruptive innovation.