Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) inSpace Debris Mitigation

As an Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Space Debris Mitigation, you will help evaluate options for developing the requirements and conduct theoretical investigation into advanced space debris mitigation approaches, such as those based on risk metrics [1], and incentive mechanisms under different technological and regulatory landscapes.

• Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
• Type of Appointment: Internal Research Fellow
• Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
• Grade Band: F2 - F2

Our team and mission

The Independent Safety Office is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, maintenance and certification of compliance with ESA policies, requirements and standards, as well as providing the related support to ESA projects in:

• human spaceflight safety
• space debris mitigation
• re-entry safety
• nuclear safety for applications in space
• planetary protection.

Specifically, with regard to space debris mitigation, the Independent Safety Office acts as ESA’s Technical Authority and its main functions are:

• custodianship and maintenance of the ESA Space Debris Mitigation Policy and Requirements
• independent supervision of the verification of compliance of ESA projects with the Space Debris Mitigation Requirements
• processing of waivers for non-compliance with the Space Debris Mitigation Requirements
• reporting on the status of implementation of the Space Debris Mitigation Policy for ESA projects
• ESA representation in international forums such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and standardisation bodies such as ECSS and ISO.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The rapid increase in the number of satellites and launch vehicles in Earth orbit in recent years has heightened concerns about space debris and the need to define sustainable operations in space. In response to this, ESA introduced its Zero Debris approach, which aims to limit the production of debris in Earth and lunar orbits by 2030. As a first step, ESA’s Space Debris Mitigation Policy and Requirements were updated in 2023, with a further update planned for 2030. Addressing this global concern requires not only models capable of projecting debris populations over different time horizons, but also the ability to develop a range of scenarios that can be used to stress-test different policy options.

The research will cover the following tasks:

1. Critical review of current compliance levels in ESA projects: data analysis of the outcomes of project reviews conducted since the introduction of the Zero Debris approach, and identification of challenges relating to the feasibility and verification of requirements.
2. Review of technological developments and scenario planning: analysis of lessons learned from ESA research and development activities relating to Zero Debris and consultation with ESA domain experts to identify challenges, constraints and opportunities associated with developing space debris mitigation requirements. Formulation of future scenarios incorporating technology roadmaps, such as the ESA Vision 2040, and hypothetical technological breakthroughs.
3. Policy analysis and regulatory frameworks: comparative analysis of policy regimes in analogous fields, such as fisheries management and environmental regulation, and assessment of the transferability of regulatory instruments, such as cap-and-trade schemes and zoning. Consideration to recent policy developments in other sectors, including the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and the EU’s Zero Deforestation target.
4. Incentive structures: exploration of mitigation incentives, such as tradable debris quotas and insurance premiums, and modelling of their potential uptake among different actors, evaluating sensitivity to participation rates and jurisdictional differences.

In carrying out your work, you will gain:

• a multidisciplinary, systems-level perspective on tackling the space debris challenge;
• hands-on experience using ESA’s tools and data resources;
• familiarity with emerging concepts in space sustainability.

Reference:
[1] F. Letizia, S. Lemmens, “Evaluation of the debris environment impact of the ESA fleet”, eighth European Conference on Space Debris, 2021

Technical competencies

• Knowledge relevant to the field of research
• Research/publication record
• Ability to conduct research autonomously
• Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities
• Ability to gather and share relevant information
• General interest in space and space research

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

You should have completed within the past five years, or be close to completing, a PhD in aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field. A PhD in space policy or space law may also be considered relevant if your research included quantitative approaches.

Additional requirements

You should have:

• Knowledge of space debris matters and mitigation approaches
• Familiarity with various mitigation regulations and guidelines
• Familiarity with computational tools such as Python

You should also have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

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.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Nationality and Languages

Applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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.