Satellite Communication Systems Training Course open for application

In today's world, space-based telecommunication is a crucial enabler of global connectivity and secure communications, underpinning a wide array of groundbreaking applications. These include essential functions such as satellite broadcasting, high-speed internet provision, and seamless mobile network coverage. Furthermore, it supports the advancement of global navigation, scientific research, remote sensing, telemedicine, transportation efficiency, educational access and more. This technology empowers us to drive innovation and societal progress across multiple dimensions.

The course will be taught by experienced ESA experts. It will feature formal lectures complemented by short exercises and a group project. In the group project, participants will collaboratively design a satellite communications mission to meet current user needs, applying the insights gained from lectures and hands-on sessions throughout the week. The practical exercise will help consolidate the participants' understanding of the dynamic field of satellite communications, bridging theory with real-world application.

Join us for this unique opportunity to deepen your expertise in satellite communication systems and contribute to the future of global connectivity.

Students will be introduced to the following topics:

Day 1	ESA and connectivity and secure communications directorate activities Introduction to system engineering and SatCom systems SatCom link budget principles and introduction to multi-beam SatCom payload
Day 2	SatCom platform SatCom ground segment SatCom system antenna Group project I
Day 3	SatCom operations Legal Aspects Group project II
Day 4	SatCom optical systems and technologies The role of satellites in 5G and 6G networks Secure SatCom systems Group project III
Day 5	Future trends in satellite communication Group project final presentation Conclusion

Who can apply?

To participate, students must fulfil the following eligibility criteria at the time of application:  

• 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 or science;
• 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 scientific or other space-related topics;
• Citizen of an ESA Member State, an ESA Associate Member (Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia or Slovenia) or Canada*.

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 travelling 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 esa.academy@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.  

To enhance the learning experience, students will actively engage in a group project work throughout the week to apply their newly acquired knowledge. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a certificate of participation and a course transcript, enabling them to request ECTS credit(s) from their respective universities.

How to apply?

• Fill in the application form;
• Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
• Upload a CV (Europass format, PDF, no images, maximum 2 pages);
• Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or an academic supervisor from your current university (if not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your reference, 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 academic year (PDF).

All answers and documents should be in English (except Transcript of Grades if not available).  The deadline for both the application and recommendation submissions is 5 September 2024, 23:59 CEST. The selection announcement is on 27 September 2024. 

*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity. This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students. 

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