Space Applications Services is a company at the forefront of space technology development and the provision of services for human spaceflight, exploration and earth observation missions. Headquartered in Belgium (Brussels Area), with a research office in the Netherlands and a subsidiary in the USA, the company provides solutions for both commercial and institutional customers. We work with clients such as the European Space Agency, the European Commission, governmental and national space agencies as well as the major space industries.

The company develops payloads, avionics, robotics technology and products, and provides complete mission operations control centre solutions to EN9100 standards. The company also provides engineering, science and training services, including astronaut training. In our headquarters, we have a control centre room that operates commercial payloads on the International Space Station, and a laboratory comprising a cleanroom.

The Technology Applications Research Division develops innovative technology to meet the needs of future space missions, to Low Earth Orbit, Lunar Orbit, the Lunar Surface and beyond. Typical applications are robotics, mechanisms and electronics for in-orbit servicing, rovers for lunar exploration and in-situ-resource utilisation complemented by virtual environments used to visualise the ways in which the technology will be used.

Internship Position

This internship will involve supporting the implementation of the YAMCS open-source software solution within our Mission Control & Command Centre for the PUPPETEER system.

Developed by Space Applications Services, the PUPPETEER system will be installed at the ESA/DLR facility in Cologne. It is designed to simulate extra-vehicular activities on the Moon's surface, providing astronauts with realistic training under reduced gravity conditions.

The successful candidate will work within the Robotics, Mechanisms, & Structures (RMS) Team in the Technologies, Applications & Research Division of the Systems Department and will mainly report to the RMS Team Lead.

•Location: Sint-Stevens-Woluwe (Brussels Area)

•Duration: At least 4 Months

•Start date: As of Quarter 2, 2025.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•Implement the open-source software YAMCS, a mission control system used in various space mission, including lunar landing and rover operations

•Set up and deploy the server on the Mission Control Centre (MCC), ensuring accurate reception and interpretation of telemetry data packets

•Configure the User Interface in accordance with the customer specifications

•Support the communication between the robot side and the Command & Control (C&C) server

•Support system testing and validation in the laboratory environment.

Skills and Experience

•Currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering or equivalent fields

•Experience with web front-end technologies and popular front-end frameworks such as React or Angular

•Experience with back-end software development using languages such as Python or Java

•Knowledge of web services and APIs, particularly RESTful APIs and web-sockets

•Familiarity with version control systems such as Git

•Ability to:

-Synthesize, summarize and draw conclusions

-Adhere to strict standards of confidentiality

-Work independently

-Work in distributed international teams

•Have a proactive approach and take initiative

•Good written and spoken English.

Our Offer

•An experience within a growing company with highly motivated Engineers, Scientists and Administrative Staff coming from all different horizons and countries

•A professional and multicultural working atmosphere

•A client exposure and networking opportunities

•A full-time Internship with a monthly lump sum allowance, under certain conditions.

How To Apply

Upload your CV and Motivation Letter, both in English and to the attention of Mr. Guillaume Fau.

The successful candidate shall be eligible to do an internship in the European Union.