Intern in the XR Lab in Human and Robotic Exploration, VR Spacewalk Simulator

Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) - Near Cologne, Germany

HRE-FI, the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team, drives innovation in HRE projects and initiatives across diverse exploration destinations such as LEO, the Moon, Mars, and Earth analogues. The team develops and integrates advanced software and AI technologies to support flight experiments, operational tools, and simulators. By creating and executing strategic plans, we ensure alignment with ESA and HRE objectives, while exploring and using cutting-edge technologies like AI, XR (eXtended Reality), IoT (Internet of Things), and Quantum Computing to enhance mission capabilities for both flight and ground segments.

As a central hub for software innovation, the team collaborates with internal and external tech experts to highlight the crucial role of advanced software in exploration. The team is structured around four core pillars: AI, XR, IoT, and Quantum technologies, with data serving as a foundational element throughout. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective integration of state-of-the-art technologies, positioning the team at the forefront of exploration advancements.

You will be working with the XR LAB which is part of the Team for AI and Software in the Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration. XR is set to revolutionize the future of space exploration. From immersive mission planning and virtual training environments to augmented reality tools for ISS, Lunar Gateway or Lunar surface landers and rovers design, training and operations, XR technologies will be essential in shaping the next frontier of space exploration.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Improvement of a VR Spacewalk Simulator for Astronaut Training 

You will analyse, improve and support the development of VREVA, VR training tool for Spacewalks. 
This internship will also focus on analyzing current tools and ongoing projects in the Team.
You will complement these projects, which are based on Unreal Engine for MR and Unity for AR, by creating or modifying relevant additional tools or models in close collaboration with the XR-Lab team.

You will get familiarized with VREVA and its implementation and then help advancing the project. This may include bugfixing, aiding in the project migration to the latest Unreal Engine 5.x version, and the addition of features, such as:

• Instructor representation;
• “Multiplayer” for two-person EVAs as in real scenarios;
• Station exterior interactivity;
• Environmental modeling (Correct orbital path above earth, ephemeris/sun and moon positions relative to the earth and station);
• Design and implementation of interactive EVA tools;
• Implementation of Robotic arm based astronaut locomotion;
• Scripting of EVA procedures to be followed.

The XR Lab aims to recruit 1 candidate. An internship duration of six months is preferred.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to autonomously organize and progress though software implementation projects;
• Proven experience with Unreal Engine 5 (Blueprints, Materials, UMG and lighting techniques) is mandatory;
• Experience developing interactive applications (VR / Game);
• General familiarity with 3D modeling, rendering, and game development processes;
• Knowledge of unreal engine performance optimization;
• Knowledge of multi-users programming in UE5;
• Knowledge in 3D animations is an asset;
• Experience with the git / git-lfs version control system is an asset.