Our team and mission

This position is based at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) - Frascati, Italy

Under the direct authority of the Mission Management and Ground Segments Department, the ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division is responsible for:

• Earth Observation data management through the design, implementation and operations of the Payload Data Ground Segments (PDGS) for the ESA missions (Earth Explorer missions, Earth Watch missions, Third Party missions, Heritage missions) including data acquisition, data generation, data access, data archiving, services to users including the day-to-day interface to the users, etc.;
• Development and evolution of PDGS for the ESA Earth Observation Missions in all mission phases after selection of a mission for implementation, under delegation of the project managers during Phases B/C/D/E1 and under assignment from the mission managers during Phase E2 and beyond;
• Evolution of the Earth Observation data management concept and architecture for the ESA Earth Observation missions together with other teams, including specific R&D projects.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic: Boost discovery of Earth Observation information by applying AI 

The earth observation domain is exceptionally relevant at this time, becoming determinant in the definition of earth models for the prediction of environmental changes and at the same time identification of factors that could reduce their impact. The science community is confronted with a challenge objective for which it is critical to provide all the necessary elements for effective research. The increased amount of information and data available, however is creating the need of guiding users and scientists in the discovery of the correct input to their scope. 

Applying modern AI technology, allows for faster processing of data and information associated. For this reason, the European Space Agency is already using AI for a number of applications. 

In this particular case, we are looking for young expert in supporting the gathering of the available knowledge from different sources and apply AI for the delivery of filtered and pre-processed information to the community of external users and internal stakeholders. The work can be performed as a continuation of previous activity.

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The activity is foreseen to develop as following:
A) Get awareness of the current deployment of Earth Observation (EO) Payload Data Ground Segment Common Services consisting of a set of data services which provide access to data and resources to scientific users 
B) Collect sources of information (metrics, documents, analytical data) and select the appropriate model to provide tailored suggestion and responses

• Starting from a previously developed prototype based on applying privateGPT, evolve the design to an operational level of maturity
• Ingest additional data on the system and validate it through a set of predefined use cases and scenario
• Evaluate the possible integration of the system within already existing services (e.g. Web portal search)

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

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:

• Knowledge and background in cloud computing, AI and ML application, earth observation data, Python script language is an asset