Navigation Training Course now open for application

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is of major importance not only for ESA, who has pioneered its introduction in Europe since the 90s, but for all European citizens and industry in many areas since it plays an essential role in our economy and daily lives. Using indoor or outdoor navigation, applications related to GNSS mainly focus on determining the global reference system position at any time around the globe in a fast, simple, and cost-effective way. Developing GNSS is fundamental since it has a sensitive and strategic nature. Its development is subjected to technological changes, political decisions, and market expectations. Satellite navigation has also evolved into the largest downstream market of space applications.

Galileo is currently the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving four billion users around the globe. It is a flagship programme of the EU Space Programme, managed and funded by the European Union, and since its inception, ESA has led the design and development of the space and ground systems, as well as the launch procurements. EUSPA (the EU Agency for the Space Programme) acts as the service provider of Galileo, overseeing the market and application needs and closing the loop with users.

ESA’s Directorate of Navigation oversees the system design and development of Galileo and EGNOS, Europe’s two satellite navigation systems, as well as its future development via the EU’s R&D Horizon Europe programme. In addition, ESA is also working to reinforce the future of satellite navigation via its programmes FutureNAV (GENESIS and LEO-PNT) and NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support programme).

Training Course Description

University students will be provided with an introduction and overview of Satellite Navigation with a specific focus on Galileo. Designed by ESA experts who developed the Galileo Space and Ground Segments, this training course will provide students with fundamental knowledge of Galileo’s architecture, tools, services, and functionalities.

The training course will include lectures and hands-on practical group exercises together with a tour of key Galileo in-orbit test facilities in ESEC which provide an essential part of the current Galileo Ground Segment.

Upon completion, students will be evaluated through an online questionnaire and will receive a certificate of participation and course transcript, allowing them to request ECTS credit(s) from their respective universities.

The week before the course, the selected students will follow a two-hour Capella and GNU Octave tutorial to allow them to become familiar with the tools they will use.

Preliminary schedule

Day 1	Basics of GNSS Introduction to Galileo and Services Galileo Architecture
Day 2	Basics of GNSS (continued) Galileo System Performance Galileo Constellation Design Group exercise
Day 3	Galileo Space Segment Galileo System Performance Tools Introduction to Galileo System Modelling Group exercise
Day 4	Galileo Ground Segment Galileo Search and Rescue, Beacon Command Service, Emergency Warning System Introduction to Galileo Signals, Galileo Signal Processing and calculate your own position solution: Group exercise
Day 5	Galileo Support to Safety of Life Galileo Schedule and Risk Management Galileo Satellite In-Orbit Testing (IOT) Redu Tour Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT[NS1] )

Who can apply?

Applications are open to students enrolled in university who fulfil the following criteria:

• aged minimum 18 years old; ESA Academy and relevant partners will only appraise applications from students who have no or limited professional experience in relevant engineering or space-related topics;
• Citizen of an ESA Member State, an ESA Associate Member (Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia or Slovenia) or Canada*.
• Enrolled as a university student for the year 2023-2024 in a Master (i.e., MSc or equivalent), or a Doctoral (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) degree programme with a background in engineering, scientific subject with basic knowledge on navigation.  
• Knowledge of GNU Octave would be an asset but is not required.

Selected students will be required to attend the entire 5-day training course at ESEC. They will be sponsored by ESA to cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 300 Euros for traveling to Belgium.

ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive professional environment. To this end, we welcome proposals and applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. The ESA Academy strongly encourages inclusiveness within its programmes and within participating teams, which contributes to the enrichment of our programme. 

Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support, either digitally or at the location of the training. In case of any questions or specific needs, please reach out to tlp@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.

How to apply?

• Fill in the application form;
• Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
• Upload a CV (PDF, Europass format, maximum 2 pages, no images);
• Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or academic supervisor of current university (if it is not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your referee, please ask them to send a recommendation email to tlp@esa.int before the application deadline);
• Upload a copy of your Transcript of Grades from the two previous semesters, or, if not available, the previous graded academic year (PDF). 

All answers and documents should be in English (Transcript of Grades can be submitted in the language of the hosting university, if unavailable in English).

*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity (grant applications should be submitted at least 7 weeks before the course delivery and account creation 3 weeks before the submission deadline – create an account soon!). This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students.

The deadline for applications is Monday 29 April 2024 at 23:59 CEST.

For more information, please contact tlp@esa.int.