Young Graduate Trainee for AIS Algorithm Development

Sentinel-1 is the radar observatory mission of the Copernicus Space Component. It is a polar-orbiting C-band imaging radar satellite system for the continuation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) operational applications, designed to work in a pre-programmed conflict-free operation mode, imaging global landmasses, coastal zones, sea ice, polar areas, shipping routes at high resolution, and covering the global ocean with imagettes. It will provide an all-weather day-and-night supply of imagery for Copernicus user services. The first Sentinel-1 satellite was launched in 2014, the second in 2016. Currently the Sentinel-1C and D Satellites are in production with the launch of Sentinel-1C expected in 2022.

The Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission ensures reliability of service required by operational services and a consistent long-term data archive built for applications based on long time series. The Sentinel-1 revisit and coverage are dramatically improved with respect to the ERS-1/2 SAR and ENVISAT ASAR. The two-satellite constellation offers six day exact repeat and conflict-free operations based on two main operational modes, allowing exploiting of every single data-take. In comparison with predecessors, the Sentinel-1 mission represents an n-fold evolution of capability. In addition to the capabilities offered by the Sentinel-1 A and B satellites, Sentinel-1 C and D offer an Automatic Identification of Ships (AIS) capability to capture ship data within the SAR field of view. This will enable users to see the ship(s) of interest in the SAR image and also access AIS data pertaining to the vessels.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

The AIS payload consists of an AIS receiver, interface module and antennas. The basic principle is that the receiver listens for AIS data over the SAR field of view when the satellite acquires SAR images. The receiver acts as a direct sampler and data can be stored for later download. In the receiver the spectrum samples are framed into time-stamped CCSDS packets and then stored in a non-volatile FIFO (NV-FIFO) memory and read simultaneously with signal reception. The CCSDS packets are passed to the satellite Data Storage and Handling Assembly (DSHA) for downlink to ground with the SAR data packets.

There is a need for identification and development of AIS processing algorithms, best suited for the Sentinel-1 observations that will be implemented as part of the Sentinel-1 Calibration Performance Analysis Facility (CPAF). This in order to take the raw AIS data that will be downloaded from the spacecraft with the SAR data and decode it such that it can be used in conjunction with the respective SAR image over the same area of the Earth. Such a development should first investigate existing AIS data processing algorithms used for such processing, some of which are available free of charge. There should then be an exercise to build on these to improve the quality of AIS data once processed. Secondly, the algorithm should be implemented in the CPAF and validated using existing AIS data.

The processing algorithms once validated will be used to help commission the AIS payload on Sentinel-1C as part of the in-orbit commissioning activities planned for 2022.

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master’s level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.　

You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. 　

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.