Work life at the European Space Agency

I'm a research fellow at the European Space Agency, in this week's video, I take you for a tour of our European Space Astronomy centre in Madrid and show you a day in the life of me. What kind of things I do, as well as some of the things other employees are doing here. Hopefully this will inspire you to join the team at ESA and work in the ever growing space industry. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed the video, please help me by liking, sharing and subscribing! I'm also on:
twitter: / space_mog
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[@SpaceMog]

So what other questions do you have about working at ESA? Let me know, and I will try to my best of my ability to answer them 🙂

[@chloe6095]

Looks lovely and I can't imagine how nice it would be to work in Madrid. What happens after this Brexit drama? Will you have to become a contractor or change nationality or just get a work visa?

[@Contorix]

Hey, I am not sure if you are still reading this, but I saw on the computer screen that you are using LaTeX. Is it commonly used throughout ESA? Or do you mainly use it for writing research-related articles?

[@SpaceMog]

@@Contorix hi! Yes we use latex to publish research articles. Many of the employees at esa dont do science, only functional work and so latex is not required

[@pepikepic4048]

I know you would probably not read this but i will be very happy if you do. So... I live in Czech republic and this is my dream job, the problem is i just can't find anywhere where the closest outpost is (or work place or how it is called). I don't want to move to a different state so this is important to me. Maybe you know better? :D i will be very happy to read your response. I would just like to know where can i work.

[@SpaceMog]

@@pepikepic4048 hi! The czech republic are part of esa check out: www.esa.int/About_Us/Plan_for_European_Cooperating_States/Czech_Republic but science is only at ESAC in Spain and ESTEC in the Netherlands

[@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw8791]

I love keeping up to date with what ESA is doing. I hope that the budget will increase in the future so that we in Europe can expand our space exploration efforts.

[@user-vn3of1se4c]

I am a master's student from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. After watching your video, I think it is very different from our daily life. Maybe one day I will go to Europe to study.😊😊

[@SpaceMog]

I hope you get the chance too, or maybe even work at ESA. We had a young graduate trainee from China whilst I was working there :-)

[@sinocism5523]

This channel is awesome. Hope it blows up.

[@XxP4B10]

Dream job, currently in my second year of bachelors degree in physics.

[@SpaceMog]

Good luck!

[@cuisme2986]

Very inspiring for space science, space and to encourage girls to embrasse science studies. I see too many talented girl students to lack self confidence. I did not know ESA has facility in Madrid (just visiting this nice city with family now)

[@SpaceMog]

We do, it's about 30mins from they city centre by car where the region is a radio quiet zone. We have an open day in October when it will be open to everyone, so if you're around then, you should pop by!

[@cuisme2986]

Just cross someone looking as you in plaza del sol this morning. Not you?

[@alnilam2151]

It is all I imagined it to be as with ambition; some just take that little longer to achieve. Again well presented & informative. With thanks!

[@SpaceMog]

😋

[@alnilam2151]

@@SpaceMog I look forward maybe one day; way off, to interview within ESA on matters; all depends i guesstimate on the box being open/closed? I find it all so very interesting for nearly as many incomprehendible reasons. Eddington&Lieu One plus One in this case does Equal two! DrLieu, TY

[@SpaceMog]

@@alnilam2151 you can do it ! And thanks :)

[@alnilam2151]

@@SpaceMog Very much appreciated!

[@alexanderm2220]

I love the look of the lifestyle, just sent off my job application, we'll see...

[@deliresdemax]

Hey! Great video! It's nice to see the daily life at ESA, something we don't see everyday. Thumbs up!

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you so much max! 😋

[@junviatorlifeingermany1836]

very interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@SpaceMog]

My pleasure

[@asoganmoodaly8743]

Nice 'day in the life' video! ESA sounds like an amazing place to work at. I especially appreciate the work life balance aspect of the place. Umm.. I assume they're ok with you taking videos of the place? Some of these agencies get touchy.

[@SpaceMog]

Usually it's not okay but I got permission first :)

[@kempadoo]

That was a fun little insight, thank you for posting! ESA seems like a very stimulating place to work, plenty going on to keep you busy and active. I'd love to change careers to get into the space industry!

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you James! The space industry is growing so theres always room for more :)

[@aghilanmayan97]

nice brief presentation ...well done maggie

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you!

[@Asaan8]

Not enough insight how and what for specific questions but like much to see more of the ESA work. It is broad oriented inspireing vice versa with all the activities You mention in there.

[@DaveMeuleman]

Cool job! It's nice to see the enthusiasm. Where is your Ph.D in?

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you! I have a PhD in astrophysics from the university of birmingham in the UK. I did a thesis on measuring mases of clusters of galaxies

[@x3phys]

Great presentation Mogs! What's that rover thing you're sitting next to?

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you! That's a replica of the exomars rover Rosalind Franklin, its currently a part of the special exhibition they have on for the summer school children :)

[@x3phys]

@@SpaceMog coool!!! Do you get to drive it around 😄?

[@SpaceMog]

@@x3phys erm im not sure, but theres a VR system there to drive around on a mars rover too :)

[@x3phys]

@@SpaceMog amazingggggggg😍😍😍😍😍

[@miiortbiiort4610]

Thanks for the video :). I'm currently in my first year of studying physics/astronomy and was wondering what sort of qualifications you need to be considered for a job at esa. Is 'just' a bachelor and masters degree enough or are they looking for people who have gone a bit further? Like participating in honours projects and such. Better to know now if that's the case :)

[@miiortbiiort4610]

Oh also, what's generally considered better? Doing a PhD to gain research experience or applying straight after doing a master? I've heard that some organisations count a PhD as work experience, but others don't (unless the field or research almost exactly matches the field of research of the PhD).

[@harritoivio2151]

My favorite video second area 51. Harri❤️

[@Asaan8]

Interesting insight, thanks. The morning does have special charm and healthy to fit into nature. Haha funny effect seeing You doing workout so quickly. Environment-club, interesting, environment is all about the give and take principle for one example let insects combat harmful things etc.. There is a give and take principle in Universe not an eat eachother principle as we get with pesticides, things serving eachother is a law and to see in a broad perspective micro and macrosmic. Black holes have something to do with it too. {Wonderful outfit again (the blue/white), really}.

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you again 😅

[@robertloderer6143]

So rare to combine such beauty and intelligence in one person. I would love to work for ESA one day maybe be an astronaut. My dream job also, it's so nice you work yours, thanks for a inside look 🙂👌

[@dns911]

Currently close to my Bachelors degree in physics and I'm excited to apply for an internship at ESA. Hope they take me! Thanks for your videos! By the way: Where and how did you apply there?

[@SpaceMog]

Congrats! And thank you! Have you seen my video on work opportunities at ESA? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXyUn39jqdKggq8 The links to where to apply are in the description box of that video. Good luck!

[@dns911]

@@SpaceMog Thanks! I have looked on that:) Does one have a chance there? Also: I read about many people taking part in missions to Island or similar countries for research. Do you have an idea how to participate on that? I'd be flattered to participate in such a research mission and I can not find one. Also: Keep up the great work!!:)

[@IBHunter]

Thanks for the information! That is so different than our days of work here. We are usually get in earlier and stay at work much later. We seem to be more fast pace, but you guys are much more laid back. (We are a private business and are not tax funded.) It is great when you love what you do! We were contracted by NASA to do the sonar and positioning for the recovery of the shuttle that broke up on re-entry. We have done other projects with NASA and other space agencies over the years. If we team up with ESA on a future project, I will keep an eye out for you!

[@SpaceMog]

Where do you work?

[@IBHunter]

I worked for a marine survey company were we designed and modified existing equipment to survey the sea floor. I currently work on marine robotics. We have been bought out a couple of times recently. The name keeps changing.

[@SpaceMog]

@@IBHunter Oh okay then that makes sense! But we don't have a shuttle so unlikely there will be anything to work on... maybe one day when we are exploring the oceans of Europa or Enceledus :P

[@IBHunter]

Space Mog Europa would be awesome, but I was thinking about water recoveries. You may be surprised at the at the applications that have come up so far. An AUV on another celestial body would be. Very interesting challenge though!

[@SpaceMog]

@@IBHunter Yes i realised that but we dont do many ocean landings at esa :)

[@chxns]

Good video ✌️✌️

[@SpaceMog]

Thank you Millie 😁

[@kanutaro3426]

I'm gonna work there someday

[@SpaceMog]

I hope you do!

[@urmomslefttoe1143]

My dad used to work there, he even we to one of their launches in South America

[@rikimanconi5726]

Nice video! I am attending the last year of aerospace engineering in Italy, is it possible to do a thesis in ESAC?

[@SpaceMog]

Hi Riccardo, we have trainnees aimed at last year of their undergrad, many end up doing their master thesis on the esa project but for next year the closing date was about 2 weeks ago. For phd theses, we have an NPI program which is half through an external university and half esa

[@Stevesalmonuk]

This is great, Maggie - which makes me wish EVEN MORE that I could have qualified to work at ESA! However, I DO get to ‘work’ (with BIS Italia, the Italian Branch of the British Interplanetary Society) at ESA ESRIN in Rome during their Schools Open Days outreach events for 5 days in March each year - and I love every minute of it! I’m so very happy for you to be working in your dream job! You’re a GREAT ambassador for ESA - I love your videos - and I hope you inspire countless others to ‘reach for the stars’ with a career in space STEM (possibly with ESA!). 🚀🌍🛰️🪐✨😎👍🏻

[@SpaceMog]

Thanks so much for the support Stephen 🥰

[@muhammadahmadkaleem9654]

What do you use for your machine learning code? Python or some other language?

[@SpaceMog]

python and tensorflow

[@stelioskokkinidis4373]

I don't know if you still read the comments, but ESA is my dream job too! I am wondering tho, what can someone ,that has studied Physics in college and especially Astrophysics, do as a job at ESA? By the way much love from Greece!

[@SpaceMog]

I still read the comments. Im sorry if i dont reply. You can get a job at esa if you have a degree in physics/astrophysics for sure. There are also roles at esa that dont require this like the engineers or business admin side :)

[@harritoivio2151]

Hands up scene Is Best YFSC

[@dish_care]

Is Data Analyst are eligible to manage data for (GNSS) or any of mission.

[@shannondent6047]

Hi there I am soon to graduate with a bachelors in computer science and I really want to work at ESA. I’ve been quite stressed recently as I feel like I won’t be accepted as I am a computer scientist rather than an engineer etc. I don’t want to work in software development and I am quite terrified that I chose the wrong degree. Do you have any advice for me? Does the ESA employ Computer Science graduates for jobs other than software development if I want to work in ESA.

[@SpaceMog]

Yes they do. But getting a permanent job is not easy. Usually esa recruit through contractor companies. To get a better idea, i would recommend you apply for a ygt or traineeship position first. Good luck

[@shannondent4568]

@@SpaceMog thank you so much for the reply. I just wanted to quickly ask, how competitive are the trainee positions?

[@wongweihao3445]

Hi there. I am Malaysian and I am 15. I would like to know if I can actually apply for a job at ESA. Do I have to be a citizen of the European countries to do so?

[@astrogaz1469]

Would love to take a look around ESA👀👀

[@SpaceMog]

We are having open days in October. You should stop by!

[@astrogaz1469]

Space Mog I we’ll thanks 🙏

[@SpaceMog]

@@astrogaz1469 hope to see you there :)

[@astrogaz1469]

Space Mog Do you know the dates of the open days.

[@SpaceMog]

@@astrogaz1469 28th September for ESAC and 6th October for ESTEC, www.noordwijk.info/nl/uitagenda/2140745318/open-dag-esa-estec-2019

[@giancarlotubal5985]

I love science but im really bad at math and i want to be a rocket scientist!🙂 Anyway you look beautiful 🌹

[@theflorri]

is this work environment universal for all esa facilities like the EAC in germany?

[@SpaceMog]

I would say that it is even better at the other facilities, they have many more cool things on show, and places like EAC and ECSAT share facilities with other space companies, so there's always exciting things happening there

[@AhmedEmamAI1]

is there any possibility to get get a position at ESA , if you are not a European citizen ???

[@SpaceMog]

Yes you can join a contractor company and theres a chance they will send you there

[@inakiortizdelandaluce4931]

Nice video but a bit biased too. The vast majority of people there are just engineers and are too busy to do gardening, sports, attending talks and sightseeing as their main contribution to ESA... they need to get things done as well!

[@inakiortizdelandaluce4931]

I find this video closer to how is woking at ESA like... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIS4oIapa89mabs

[@hellvampiria]

Any news about Spekter-RG??

[@SpaceMog]

Yes it successfully launched on 13 july and operations are nominal. Currently making its way to L2 :)

[@hellvampiria]

@@SpaceMog Imagine, you will be anxious to see the first eROSITA reports =)

[@SpaceMog]

@@hellvampiria Im excited! :)

[@amg9310]

There are biologist or astrobiologist working at ESA?

[@SpaceMog]

At ESAC we share the site with Spain’s Centro de Astrobiología in ESA wide and I believe there are some esa staff who work on astrobiology

[@aghilanmayan97]

i am from india ...what is procudure to apply for jobs @esa like basic qualification ? and all other things please give me some information about that

[@SpaceMog]

There's no basic qualification, like I say in my video, we employee people in a range of academic backgrounds and levels. But a degree in maths or sciences is a good start

[@aghilanmayan97]

oh but i am doing BA in English so is it not possible??

[@aghilanmayan97]

other degrees are not in eligible criteria??

[@SpaceMog]

@@aghilanmayan97 esa also produce many communication articles, the communication department maybe what you could look into

[@aghilanmayan97]

where i can apply for the job? and maggie i now i am asking too much questions sorry for that.

[@tomharrison-jones1412]

I am from Barcelona and I want to work a the Madrid ESAC. How do I join and do I decide if I go to Madrid?

[@SpaceMog]

Hi Tom, what is your educational background?

[@tomharrison-jones1412]

@@SpaceMog Highschool, or what we call ESO in Spain. I plan to try and get into Aerospace engineering at the Universitat Polytecnica de Catalunya. If everything goes as planned, I'll be applying at ESA. What I'd like to know is if the work is flexible so that I can go home sometimes in Barcelona. And if once I'm working for ESA, do I travel to other centers and do I choose at what ESA BIC to work at?

[@SpaceMog]

@@tomharrison-jones1412 Okay, you will need to get a degree to start work at ESA, we take interns over the summer known as trainees but usually they are in their 3rd/4th year at University (www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Graduates_Young_Graduate_Trainees), we have a flexible work scheme, but at most you can work one day a week from home. Depending on what role you are, you may travel to other centres but in general this is rare. BIC centres are not really esa, they're incubation centres for companies that esa support. But the each esa centre has a different area of expertise, for example in ESAC, we specialise in space science. In ESRIN, they specialise in earth observation, in EAC astronauts etc.

[@tomharrison-jones1412]

@@SpaceMog Thanks a lot for the advice!

[@SpaceMog]

@@tomharrison-jones1412 sure no problem!

[@askme5805]

3:40 It is pretty cheap just for you. Woke up. I am more than 2 times heavier than you, external worker and big portion for me is for 20EUR!

[@vasanthakumarganesan637]

hai mam, how to join esa please tell me mam

[@SpaceMog]

You can see current vacancies here career2.successfactors.eu/career?company=esa

[@DonaldFranciszekTusk]

How to have so much energy like you and know what to do in life if I have many interests? Greetings from Poland :)

[@pedropatury8039]

Do I need to be an European citizen to work as an aerospace engineer in ESA?

[@SpaceMog]

You do, but there are also contractors who are non esa member state citizens

[@manuelgomezdemembrillerape300]

OMG you got stage 5 access LMAO

[@thetopcoder]

Did she really replace that guy's head with a shit dump ? :D

[@juanjosehernandez9852]

Very smart and so pretty...😉😉

[@user-gw1rd7uc7s]

You're the girl is a blogger

[@ViajeroHonesto]

no questions nice place to work

[@mossy9756]

Lol what did he do to deserve the poop emoji :)

[@spyrossavvas9701]

Very pretty girl

[@SpaceMog]

thank you :)

[@TheTile75]

I see the "shitface alike" man at the breakfast part of the video, is quite amusing.😆 I guess, it's a subtle introducing of your coworkers to a wide audience without hesitation. I mean, women you're so unsurpassed.. Absolutely, madam I'm your servant 🤌