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X ESA Graduate Trainee in Remote Sensing Earth Observation Mission Concept Development Job Requisition ID: 20946 Date Posted: 7 October 2026 Closing Date: 4 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: External Only Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Grade Band: F1 - F1 Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands Our team and mission As part of the 12th cycle of ESA's Earth Explorer programme (EE12), the candidate mission "Keystone" will undergo a Phase A study. Keystone would provide the first direct observations of atomic oxygen in the mesosphere-thermosphere system, using a unique combination of limb-sounding techniques to cover altitudes from 50 to 250km. These observations, together with measurements of composition, temperature and winds, would enable scientists to study the processes that drive variability and energy balance in this region of the atmosphere, including the effects of solar cycles and space weather. Three EE12 candidate missions are currently under consideration; following completion of their respective Phase A studies, one will be selected for implementation. A brief description of the EE12 mission candidates is available here: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Preparing_for_tomorrow/ESA_selects_four_new_Earth_Explorer_mission_ideas You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship You will join the Keystone mission team, supporting the mission's scientific definition and performance evaluation to help maximise its scientific output and contribute to the feasibility assessment and final mission selection process, scheduled for summer 2028. You will work on the theoretical assessment and testing of the mission's performance, including simulating the signals observed by the spacecraft, generating instrument data streams and processing them into scientific products fo...



