Shared experiences: Jens Aßhauer’s way 'into space'
Jens Aßhauer studies aerospace engineering at TU Braunschweig, Germany. He participated in a recruitment event with ESA, DLR and BDLI at his university, where he learned about ESA job opportunities. He’s now doing a five-month internship at ESTEC, and shares his first impressions with us.
If you want to participate in the Runder Tisch Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik - where Jens got first in touch with ESA - you can meet us at the University of Stuttgart on 10 December, at KIT Karlsruhe on 11 December, and at TU München-Garching on 16 December. Please find more details at the end of this interview.
Jens, what have been your responsibilities so far during your internship?
I’m working with a team of people within ESA which focuses on advanced concepts like the development of hypersonic transport vehicles (LAPCAT and ATLLAS projects). As part of the ATLLAS project team I have, during the first half of my placement, been responsible for the simulation of a hypersonic intake by means of CFD methods. This means that I was expected to investigate and assess the mass flow rate and efficiency of the intake in the range of subsonic and hypersonic inflow conditions. My next task will be the simulation of a wind tunnel model of the entire vehicle under hypersonic free stream conditions.
Is this your first working experience in the space domain?
Yes, it is indeed my first time working in the space sector and also the first time working in such a big international team. According to what I have already learned at ESA, cooperation is the key factor for human space exploration and future space missions. Working in this international team is therefore not only something that enhances my professional profile, but also broadens my vision of collaboration.
How does it feel to be part of an ESA team?
Being a part of an ESA team is a great experience. All colleagues are very concentrated on their projects. This creates a special atmosphere, which motivates me a lot. Furthermore, I really appreciate that my colleagues have treated me as a full team member from the first day. They value my work and they are always willing to listen to my problems and questions.
What was the process that led you to apply for an internship at ESA?
The first time I heard about the job opportunities at ESA was during a local recruitment event with ESA, DLR and BDLI at my university in 2013 called Runder Tisch Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik. After an informative conversation with an ESA associate, I decided to apply for a student placement at ESTEC.
What has been your most exciting moment at ESA so far?
Each day is very exciting for me but the most exciting day was when Philae landed on a comet on 12 November after the 10-year journey of the Rosetta spacecraft. We participated in a fantastic event organised by ESA and had the opportunity to experience these historic moments. It was great proof of what cooperation can lead to.
What advice would you give to students who would like to do an internship with ESA?
To keep it simple: do not hesitate to apply! I have learned a lot and I can only recommend the experience to anyone. However, please keep in mind the application deadline. For ESTEC this is 31 October of each year, for internships in the following year. No less important is to define clearly in which sector you would like to work, since ESA offers a wide range of possibilities. It may be helpful in this respect to watch some of the academic background videos on the careers website and to read through the careers brochure to the rear of which you’ll find a list of sectors.
Runder Tisch Luft- und Raumfahrttechnik, December 2014:
10 December, 17:30
Universität Stuttgart, Campus Vaihingen
Raum 57.04
11 December, 18:00
KIT Karlsruhe, Karlstraße 36
Raum 215
16 December, 18:00
TU München-Garching, Fakultät für Maschinenwesen
MW 1450
