je.st
news
Internal Research Fellow PostDoc in Mission Operations
2017-11-01 17:12:18| Space-careers.com Jobs RSS
Research Fellowship Opportunity in the Directorate of Operations. ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications from women are encouraged. Post Internal Research Fellow PostDoc in Mission Operations This post is classified F2. Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany Our Division and Mission The postholder will be based at the Operations Department at ESOC and will work for two Divisions in particular The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Mission Division OPSOA, responsible for the definition and preparation of operational ground segment and the execution of astrophysics and fundamental physics missions. This includes, on the one hand, defining requirements for the ground segment needed for individual missions and verifying correct implementation on the other hand, planning and executing all mission operations from launch to endofmission. The Division covers a variety of missions which are either in preparation, like Euclid, or in operations phase, like XMMNewton, INTEGRAL and Gaia. XMMNewton, for example, is an Xray observatory that combines the largest mirror assembly ever flown with advanced detector technology such as CCD cameras and highresolution grating spectrometers together with an optical monitor. It observes cosmic objects like black holes, active galaxies and supernova remnants. The Studies and Special Projects Division OPSOS, responsible for Definition Phase studies for ESA missions and managing services provided to external customers. It also prepares and executes specific special projects, developing innovative operation concepts and technologies for future missions and coordinating cooperative activities with Member States in the flight operations field. The research topic of this vacancy falls under the joint responsibility of OPSOA and OPSOS, since the topic benefits from input from future missions and longterm experience from current ESOCoperated missions. As such, it will be supervised jointly by both Divisions. It is also expected that interaction with ESTEC projects, Science Operations and industry may be required. Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website www.esa.int Fields of activitiesresearch Modelling of incremental increase of autonomous Target of Opportunity operations ToO for astrophysical missions and its implications for exploration mission operations. Target of Opportunity ToO operations are a classic mission operations topic applicable to different types of astronomy mission. Execution of ToOs currently involves various operational software systems that need to be used to evaluate, replan, reorganise and execute unplanned operations requests at short notice. Similar issues also exist for other mission families. This study aims to evaluate different options for an incremental increase of autonomy in the full endtoend process, eventually including all mission data system components i.e. SOC, MOC FCT, MPS, FDS as well as ground stations and satellite systems. A concept and suitable mathematical computer models will be developed for this purpose. As a first test case, the model could then be applied to an AthenaXIPE ToO study or other suitable missions. Experience from other missions like Swift and INTEGRAL, which have implemented partially automated ToO operations, might also be used as a baseline for further gradual automation of spacecraft andor ground processes. This could ultimately lead to a fully autonomous decisionmaking process triggered by an external ToO andor, potentially, an onboard allsky monitor. The models developed could be initially tested on existing operational SC and subsystem hardware simulators, which currently do not include ToO functionality, with the aim of acting as a development environment for future simulators. The research should also take into consideration integrating a crowd consortium groundsatellite network, analysing its feasibility and the potential reduction in reaction time for the ToO. Continuous interfacing between currently operated missions, future mission preparation and mission development down to spacecraft and ground subsystem level should support the growth of this study. Various iterations are intended to actively increase the flexibility and reliability of the models. The model finally developed should also attempt to address the fundamental practical limit to which the autonomous ToO can be reasonably implemented, based on resources and technical constraints, and trade off the various levels of autonomy achieved by each iteration. This could then, selectively, be followed up and more rigorously detailed by individual projects and Divisions. Technical competencies Knowledge relevant to the field of research Researchpublication record Ability to conduct research autonomously Breadth of exposure coming from past andor current researchactivities Interest in space and space research Ability to gather and share relevant information Background in one or more of the following domains solar systems science, astrophysics, space science Experience in mission, spacecraft andor payload operations Knowledge and experience of ground segment, simulators and early operations Mathematical software development Understanding of space system architectures Behavioural competencies Innovation Creativity Continuous Learning Communication Relationship Management Self Motivation Problem Solving CrossCultural Sensitivity Education Applicants should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD or equivalent qualification in a related technical or scientific discipline, in particular Physics, Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Additional requirements Applicants should have strong mathematical and programming skills as well as some background in spacecraft operations and ground segment architecture. They should be system minded and preferably have experience in mission control systems, spacecraft simulators, mission planning systems and automation systems for mission operations. 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. Other information For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework. The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2017. In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please add your proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining your proposed research in the additional documents field of the application information section. Candidates are asked to arrange for 3 reference letters, to be sent by the referees themselves, before the closing date to temp.htresa.int. Please ensure your name is mentioned in the subject of the email. If you require support with your application due to a disability, please email contact.human.resourcesesa.int. Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada and Slovenia as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia as European Cooperating States ECS. Priority will first be given to candidates from underrepresented Member States. In accordance with the European Space Agencys security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment Apply HERE
Tags: research
internal
operations
mission
Category:Transportation and Logistics