Navigation Training Course now open for application!

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is vital not only for ESA, which has been at the forefront of its development in Europe (i.e., on EGNOS and Galileo) since the 1990s, but also for European citizens and industries. GNSS plays a key role in our economy and daily lives by enabling fast, simple, and cost-effective global positioning, whether for indoor or outdoor navigation. Its development, however, is influenced by technological advancements, political decisions, and market demands, making it a sensitive and strategic priority. Moreover, satellite navigation has grown into the largest downstream market of space applications.

Among GNSS systems, Galileo stands out as the world’s most accurate satellite navigation system, supporting by far more than four billion users worldwide. As a flagship programme of the EU Space Programme, it is managed and funded by the European Union. ESA has been instrumental in the design and development of Galileo’s space and ground systems and launch procurements, while EUSPA (the EU Agency for the Space Programme) ensures service delivery, market oversight, and user engagement.

ESA’s Directorate of Navigation leads the design, development, and evolution of Europe’s satellite navigation systems—Galileo and EGNOS—and drives their future advancements through the EU’s Horizon Europe R&D programme. ESA is also shaping the future of satellite navigation and the contribution to Space Exploration through its FutureNAV (GENESIS and LEO- PNT and Moonlight) and NAVISP (Navigation Innovation and Support Programme) initiatives.

Would you like to be part of the exciting future of satellite navigation? Apply for the Navigation Training Course today!

Training Course Description

University students will gain a comprehensive introduction to Satellite Navigation, with a particular emphasis on Galileo. Designed by ESA experts who played a key role in developing the Galileo Space and Ground Segments, this training course will equip participants with essential knowledge of Galileo’s architecture, tools, services, and functionalities. The course will also address emerging topics such as LEO-PNT and Space Exploration (i.e. Moonlight).

The course includes a mix of engaging lectures, hands-on group exercises, and a guided tour of key Galileo in-orbit test facilities at ESEC, which form a critical component of the current Galileo Ground Segment.

At the end of the course, students will complete an online assessment and receive a certificate of participation along with a course transcript. These credentials can be used to request ECTS credit(s) from their universities.

To prepare for the course, selected students will participate in a two-hour online tutorial about Capella and GNU Octave before the training week, ensuring they are familiar with the tools they will use during the training.

Preliminary Schedule

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 Canada*.
• Enrolled as a university student for the year 2024-2025 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.

*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.

Selected students will be required to attend the entire 5-day training course at ESEC and the preliminary online tutorial. They will be sponsored by ESA to cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 350 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 academy.training@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 image);
• Upload a CV (PDF, Europass format, maximum 2 pages, no image);
• Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no image) 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 academy.training@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). The deadline for applications is Monday 31 March 2025 at 23:59 CEST.

The selection announcement will be on 14 April 2025.

For more information, please contact academy.training@esa.int.