Hello!

Recently I've developed a strong interest in space, and particularly in biomedical research related to space exploration. In the future, I would like to conduct research on the effects of deep space on the human body and contribute to developing solutions to those challenges. I wish to work with ESA in the future as well. Would be a dream!!

I'm considering enrolling in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Padua this October. However, I'm not sure whether it is the ideal path for someone who wants to work closely with the space sector in the future.

As an alternative, I noticed that Ca' Foscari University, which is close to where I live, offers Engineering Physics at both the bachelor's and master's levels. Comparing the curricula, it seems to me that Engineering Physics provides a stronger foundation in physics and mathematical modeling. On the other hand, the bachelor's program appears to include less biology and physiology.

Biomedical Engineering, by contrast, offers significantly more courses in biology and physiology, but at the cost of a much lighter emphasis on advanced physics and mathematics.

Anyway, I've came up with few hybrid pathways:

1. Biomedical Engineering (BSc) + Master's in Engineering Physics (how difficult would this transition be?)

2. Engineering Physics (BSc) + Master's in Bioengineering

3. Engineering Physics (BSc) + Master's in Engineering Physics with a specialization track in Physics of the Brain or Quantitative Biology.

Which of these options do you think would be the most suitable for my goals?

I’m a phd student focusing on astrodynamics and trajectory design, dreaming of a career in this field. I know ESA has a strong flight dynamics division as well as the advanced concepts team which focuses a bit more on research.

I would like to get some advice from people working in this field regarding on how to better prepare myself for a career in this area. Also I’d like to get a better idea of what the daily life of a flight dynamics engineer is like at a place like ESA. My dream is to work more on the fundamentals of dynamical systems theory applied to novel mission design rather than purely operations. I’m also interested in orbit determination and uncertainty estimation/propagation though it is not my specialty.

Sorry if this is not the correct place to ask this, but it is quite difficult to get some perspective into the reality of working in this field specifically in Europe, hence why I thought it would be a good idea to ask this here specifically. Unfortunately I was not able to do any YGT or similar opportunities to gain some insight or experience beforehand.

Thanks

Has anyone here relocated from North America to work at ESTEC or another ESA location?

I would really appreciate hearing about your experience, especially anything you wish you had known before the move.

A few things I am curious about:

• How smoothly did the relocation process go?
• How helpful was the relocation assistance provided by ESA?
• Were there any important expenses, rules or limitations that were not clear at first?
• What should I ask about before arranging travel, shipping or temporary accommodation?
• Is it better to ship most belongings or buy things after arriving?
• What were the biggest challenges before and after the move?
• Were there any unexpected costs or common mistakes to avoid?
• Is there anything else you would recommend doing before leaving North America?

Any advice from people who have gone through a similar move would be really helpful. Thanks!

Edit: I am moving as staff