Student (f/m/x) - Satellite mission operations and mission control systems

DLR's Responsive Space Cluster Competence Centre (RSC³) in Trauen is a unique research facility in Germany that addresses in a holistic way the topic of Responsive Space. This exciting field of research deals with the question of how to respond faster, more flexibly and securely in space with the goal of increasing the overall resilience of critical infrastructures in space. To this end, innovative concepts and technologies are analyzed, developed and demonstrated at the RSC³.

What to Expect

As part of the activities at the RSC³, we operate the experimental CubeSat OTTER (Optical Traffic Tracking Experiment for Responsive Space) in collaboration with partners. The satellite is in orbit and is operated via a mission control center at the Trauen site.

In this work, you will be directly involved in the mission operations of the OTTER satellite. The goal is to analyze typical mission operations and develop standardized operating procedures based on this analysis. These procedures describe step-by-step how certain satellite operations are carried out.

The developed procedures are then implemented and tested in the mission control system.

The work offers direct insight into the real-world operation of a satellite, mission control systems, and the processes involved in modern space missions.

Your tasks

• Analysis of typical routine operations in satellite operations.
• Analysing recurring operations in routine operations of the OTTER mission.
• Support in the development of structured operational procedures.
• Data transmission from the satellite to the ground station and vice versa.
• Implementation of the developed procedures in the mission control system.
• Testing the procedures in a simulation or test environment.
• Analysing the possibilities for automating mission procedures.
• Documenting and presenting the procedures and results developed during the work.

Your profile

• Degree in a field related to aerospace (e.g., aerospace engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or a comparable degree program).
• Interest in the operation of satellites and space systems.
• Analytical thinking and structured approach to work.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia, or comparable programming languages).
• Good communication skills.

Remuneration will be paid between pay group E3-E5 TVöD depending on qualifications and tasks assigned.