Astronomy Research Intern – ESA Hera Mission Support

Astronomy Research Intern – ESA Hera Mission Support

We are seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented undergraduate student to join the LCO Solar System Group in support of ESA's Hera mission, the European Space Agency's follow-up mission to the Didymos binary asteroid system. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to active planetary defense research using the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) global telescope network.

What You'll Do

• Schedule and coordinate ground-based observations of the Didymos system using LCO's robotic telescope network, gaining hands‑on experience with professional observatory tools and scheduling pipelines
• Reduce, process, and analyze data acquired from LCO observations
• Monitor and characterize the Didymos system to support Hera mission objectives, including tracking the orbital and physical properties of Dimorphos following NASA's DART spacecraft impact on Sep 26, 2022.
• Collaborate with researchers to interpret observational results and increase our understanding of the Didymos system before Hera's arrival

Who We're Looking For

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field
• Interest in planetary science, small bodies, or space mission support
• Basic programming experience, preferably in Python, with a willingness to learn data reduction pipelines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for observation scheduling and data management
• Prior coursework in astronomy, physics, or mathematics is expected; experience with astronomical software (e.g., Astro Py, DS9) is a plus

Las Cumbres Observatory operates a global network of telescopes dedicated to time‑domain astronomy, enabling scientists to observe the universe in real time. Our work supports cutting‑edge research and education worldwide.

To apply:

Please complete this application , including uploading a resume or CV.

Final date to receive applications is May 4, 2026