Why join the project ?
- Skill development: leadership, professionalism, specialized workshops, hard skills depending on your position & team…
- Great spirit of collaboration in a diverse & international team!
- Networking: contact and work with space professionals and scientists, industries, media…
- A wonderful mission at the end!
How to become a member ?
When the applications are open, you can fill out a form with CV, motivational letter, and indicate which team and tasks (detailed below) interest you. After the reception of your candidacy, you will be contacted by the leader of the teams you’ve applied to. They will interview you in order to discuss your motivation and role in the Asclepios project.
Members of the project are members of the Asclepios association which aims at promoting space sciences and is responsible for the Asclepios project. Its yearly membership fee is CHF 25 (swiss francs). If you are selected, we will provide you with more details on how to join the Asclepios association.
Asclepios team structure
Project's jobs detail
Astronauts Team
Training Officer
Training Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The astronaut team is responsible for selecting, training, and preparing the crew members for the Asclepios V mission. We carefully evaluate not only the candidates’ technical skills—such as piloting, engineering, and scientific expertise—but also their physical fitness, psychological resilience, and ability to work effectively in extreme, high-stress environments. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills are just as important as technical know-how for ensuring mission success and crew cohesion.
- If you’re passionate about space exploration and want to play a key role in choosing and training the next generation of astronauts, this is the team for you! You’ll gain hands-on experience in astronaut selection, participate in physical and psychological assessments, and contribute to mission simulations. If you’ve ever wanted to combine human factors with space operations in a STEM-driven environment, this is your chance to be part of an elite team shaping the future of space missions!
- Average hours required per week
- 6 to 8 hours a week up to December, with a possible increase to 10 per week up to the end of the mission.
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Design and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to the physical, technical, and psychological needs of the selected astronauts.
- Coordinate with the astronaut team and other mission departments to ensure the training aligns with mission goals and requirements.
- Organize and conduct training simulations, including emergency scenarios, extravehicular activities (EVA), and team-building exercises.
- Monitor and assess the progress of trainees, providing continuous feedback to optimize performance and address weaknesses.
- Collaborate with external experts and institutions to deliver specialized training (e.g., medical, engineering, or spaceflight operations).
- Ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the trainees throughout the training period, making adjustments as needed.
- Suggest improvements for future training cycles based on feedback and performance metrics from previous missions.
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Strong communication skills: Ability to clearly convey complex information and instructions to trainees and coordinate effectively with other teams.
- Leadership and teamwork: Capable of leading training sessions and fostering team cohesion, while also collaborating seamlessly with various mission departments.
- Problem-solving and adaptability: Able to quickly adjust training protocols and respond to unexpected challenges during training scenarios.
- Knowledge of space operations: Familiarity with the technical, physical, and psychological demands of space missions, including EVA procedures, life support systems, and emergency protocols.
- Assessment and evaluation: Skilled in monitoring, evaluating, and providing constructive feedback on trainee performance.
- Attention to detail: Thorough in planning and executing training programs, ensuring all mission-critical skills are covered.
- Physical fitness and mental resilience: Capable of participating in or demonstrating certain physical aspects of astronaut training and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.
- Project management: Ability to organize and manage various aspects of training, including timelines, resources, and personnel.
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Experience in space-related fields: Previous experience in astronaut training, aerospace, or space mission preparation would be a strong advantage.
- Technical expertise: Advanced knowledge of spacecraft systems, robotics, or space mission protocols, which could enhance the technical aspects of the training.
- Medical or psychological background: Understanding of space medicine, mental health, or psychological resilience training would be beneficial for preparing astronauts for the unique stresses of space travel.
- Experience with simulation technologies: Familiarity with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or other advanced simulation tools used in astronaut training.
- Cross-cultural communication: Ability to work effectively with an international and diverse group of trainees and professionals.
- Crisis management: Experience in high-pressure environments such as the military, aviation, or emergency services, which could contribute to preparing astronauts for crisis situations.
- Multilingual abilities: Knowledge of additional languages to communicate with international partners and participants.
- Availability: 1 position
Science Team
Science Officer
Science Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The science team takes care of recruiting and selecting experiments for the mission and the training. The team members take care of communication with the different PIs and are responsible in ensuring that all the requirements for the experiments are met. The science team will also be developing their own experiment for the mission during the second semester!
- Average hours required per week
- Around 5 to 6 hours a week
- Tasks and responsibilities
- As a science officer, you will be part of the call for project and selection of the experiments that will be conducted during the mission, the extreme environment training, the zero G flight, and in the mission control centre.
- You will then be assigned some experiments and will be in contact with the PIs to coordinate materials requirements, SOP redaction, and astronaut training.
- We will also be coming up with our own experiment for the mission.
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Interest in science
- English proficiency
- Good communication and coordination skills
- Excitement to be part of the project
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Experience in the design or conduction of a scientific experiment
- Team management skills
- Availability: 2 positions
Design Team
Spacesuit Design Officer
Video Maker Officer
Spacesuit Design Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The Spacesuit Team is dedicated to enhancing the safety, reliability, and comfort of the current orange suit used in Asclepios III and IV. With the aim of advancing spacesuit design, the team will focus on adapting and revising the existing suits.
- Average hours required per week
- Approximately 6/8 hours per week, with flexibility during exam sessions
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Assessment of Existing Suits: evaluate the current orange suits from Asclepios III for safety, reliability, and comfort. Identify areas for improvement based on user feedback and performance analysis.
- Repair and Maintenance: repair and refurbish the old orange spacesuits to extend their operational lifespan. Ensure that all repairs meet safety and performance standards.
- Design Development: create two new versions of the spacesuit, incorporating modern materials and design enhancements. Conduct brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for improved suit functionality.
- Prototyping: build prototypes of the new spacesuit designs, focusing on comfort, usability, and safety features. Test prototypes for fit and functionality, making adjustments as necessary based on feedback.
- User Testing: Gather and analyze feedback from testers to inform design revisions and improvements.
- Documentation: maintain detailed records of design processes, repairs, and testing outcomes. Prepare reports summarizing findings and recommendations for further improvements.
- Collaboration and Communication: facilitate regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
- Research and Development: integrate new technologies and best practices into the design and repair processes.
- Safety Compliance: ensure all design and repair activities adhere to safety regulations and standards. Conduct risk assessments for the suits and address any identified concerns.
- Outreach and Engagement: engage with spacesuit holders to solicit their participation in testing other spacesuits with Asclepios V
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
- The two students leading the position of airlock officer belong to EPFL university where the old spacesuits are stored.
- Knowledge of ergonomics and human factors engineering as they relate to wearable systems.
- Ability to assess comfort and usability from a user-centred design perspective.
- Experience in facilitating group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and project timelines effectively.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and address design challenges.
- Creativity and innovation in developing practical solutions for spacesuit design and repair.
- Ability to conduct thorough evaluations of existing suits and proposed designs.
- Genuine enthusiasm for space technology and exploration, with a commitment to advancing the field of spacesuit design.
- A proactive approach to learning about new trends and developments in aerospace engineering.
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., CAD) for developing and modelling space suit prototypes.
- Familiarity with materials used in spacesuit construction, including knowledge of their properties and applications.
- Hands-on experience with prototyping and fabrication techniques, particularly in textiles and wearable technology.
- Previous work on projects related to aerospace, fashion technology, or ergonomic design is advantageous
- Availability: 1 positions
Video Maker Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The team is tasked with the comprehensive development of the flight plan for the Asclepios V rocket, ensuring a seamless integration of theoretical studies and multimedia representation of the mission. This team will focus on optimising critical elements such as the launch window, trajectory, and the specifications of both the launcher and spacecraft, all while adhering to constraints such as crew size and resource management
- Average hours required per week
- Approximately 6/8 hours per week, with flexibility during exam sessions
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Concept Development: collaborate with the Mission Team to brainstorm and conceptualise the visual narrative for the mission path and astronaut experiences. Create storyboards and scripts that outline the structure and key elements of the video.
- 3D Modeling and Animation: design and develop 3D models of the spacecraft, launch vehicles, and mission environments using appropriate software. Animate key sequences to illustrate the mission trajectory, manoeuvres, and astronaut activities.
- Video Production: plan, shoot, and edit high-quality video content that captures the essence of the mission. Incorporate multimedia elements such as graphics, animations, and sound effects to enhance the viewing experience.
- Simulation Integration: collaborate with the trajectory planning team to accurately integrate computed parameters and mission dynamics into the video. Ensure that all visualisations reflect realistic physics and space environments.
- Post-Production: edit video footage, including colour correction, sound design, and adding titles or captions to enhance clarity and engagement. Create final video renders that are polished and suitable for various platforms (e.g., presentations, social media, educational materials).
- Collaboration and Communication: maintain open lines of communication with team members to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines. Participate in regular meetings to share progress, address challenges, and incorporate feedback.
- Public Engagement: collaborate with outreach teams to ensure that the video meets the needs of various audiences, including schools, public events, and media. Create promotional materials or trailers to generate interest in the mission and the video content.
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Pursuing a degree in Film Production, Animation, Graphic Design, Multimedia Arts, or a related field.
- Proficiency in video editing and animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D).
- Experience with 3D modelling and rendering techniques for creating realistic simulations.
- Familiarity with basic concepts of aerospace and space mission dynamics to accurately portray the mission path and spacecraft operations.
- Ability to translate complex technical information into engaging visual content.
- Strong creative skills to conceptualise and visualise the mission journey in an engaging and informative manner.
- Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate communication and exchange of ideas.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple aspects of video production, including timelines and deadlines.
- Genuine enthusiasm for space exploration and a commitment to producing inspiring content that promotes public interest in space missions.
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Proven experience in producing high-quality video content, including planning, shooting, and post-production.
- Portfolio showcasing previous work in video rendering, animation, or visual effects.
- Proven ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with engineers, mission planners, and designers.
- Availability: 1 position
Communication Team
Content Creator
Content Creator
- Introduction to the team
- Our team is a dedicated group of designers, creators and creative thinkers, all working together to elevate Asclepios’ brand. We ensure that all visual elements align with our mission and each team member plays an essential role in creating impactful designs. Some of the key objectives include improving the website, designing mission patches and managing different social media platforms among others. If you enjoy thinking outside of the box while working with like-minded people, we would love to welcome you in our team!
- Average hours required per week
- 6/8 hours, flexible during exam periods
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Create and publish creative posts and stories for Instagram and LinkedIn to enhance brand presence
- Design visually appealing content
- Write engaging captions and strategically use hashtags to maximise audience reach and engagement
- Plan monthly content ensuring timely and relevant posts
- Engage with the online community by responding to messages, managing Q&As, and fostering audience interaction
- Stay up-to-date with social media trends and integrate them into the overall social media strategy
- Design materials that enhance the company’s visual identity
- Create leaflets, brochures, flyers, and other print marketing materials
- Design visually impactful presentations and digital materials for internal and/or external use
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Experience with graphic design software (any out of Adobe Suite, Canva, Figma…)
- English proficiency with excellent written communication
- Creativity and willingness to experiment with new ideas as part of a team
- Basic understanding of social media metrics and the ability to assess the success of posts and campaigns
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Ability to keep up to date with current trends
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Pursing a degree in marketing, digital media, communications or a related field
- Previous experiences in content creation/social media management
- Experience in video editing
- Basic understanding of STEM related concepts
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams
- Prepared to see an endless stream of astronaut selfies and possibly lose a few card games
- Optional: Provide a portfolio showcasing any of the skills listed above
- Availability: 2 positions
Mission Control Centre
MCC Software Officer
MCC Design Officer
MCC Software Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The MCC team is responsible for everything revolving around the Mission Control Center of the Asclepios Mission: from training the officiers that will serve in the control room during the mission to advancing the tools used inside the control room for the mission planing, communication with the base, sensor data aquisition …
- Average hours required per week
- 4-5 hours a week, additional hours during Dress Rehearsal, and pre-mission preparation
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Design, configure, and maintain the software architecture of the MCC, ensuring seamless integration of systems for mission planning, data acquisition, and communication.
- Deploy and manage tools like YAMCS (Yet Another Mission Control System) for mission planning, data acquisition, telemetry, and system monitoring.
- Establish and manage the TCP/UDP communication protocols for data transfer between MCC, the analog mission habitat, and external systems.
- Set up and manage the MCC’s communication systems, including voice loops, text communication channels, and data sharing networks to ensure clear and reliable communication between MCC and the analog mission crew.
- Ensure redundancy in communication channels and troubleshoot potential disruptions, ensuring all parties can communicate effectively during the mission.
- Create and teach standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various mission contingencies.
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Dedication
- Communication Skills
- High interest in space related fields
- Fluent english speaker
- Good understanding of TCP/UDP protocols, telemetry, and data acquisition systems.
- Familiarity with system integration, troubleshooting, and software customization
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Expertise in mission control systems software (especially YAMCS or similar platforms).
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to real-time mission challenges.
- Experience with real-time communications software and networking within a mission-critical environment.
- Availability: 2 positions
MCC Design Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The MCC team is responsible for everything revolving around the Mission Control Center of the Asclepios Mission: from training the officiers that will serve in the control room during the mission to advancing the tools used inside the control room for the mission planing, communication with the base, sensor data aquisition …
- Average hours required per week
- 4-5 hours a week, additional hours during Dress Rehearsal, and pre-mission preparation
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Oversee the design and physical layout of the MCC, ensuring an optimized setup for mission-critical operations. This includes defining the placement of workstations, consoles, displays, and communication systems.
- Select and implement hardware and software infrastructure (monitors, consoles, servers) to support seamless mission operations and communications.
- Develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for MCC operations, including protocols for routine tasks (data acquisition, communication, monitoring) and emergency scenarios.
- Coordinate with mission planners and crew to ensure that the MCC is designed to meet the needs of the crew’s tasks and the overall mission objectives.
- Conduct system integration tests to verify that all hardware and software components work together seamlessly under mission conditions.
- Lead mission simulations to test the MCC’s layout, systems, and SOPs, identifying potential improvements or modifications needed before the actual mission begins.
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Dedication
- Communication Skills
- High interest in space related fields
- Fluent english speaker
- Good understanding of mission control centre design principles, particularly in high-stakes, mission-critical environments.
- Ability to collaborate with technical and operational teams to ensure the MCC setup aligns with mission objectives and constraints.
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Expertise in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for complex operations, especially in space or analog missions.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to real-time mission challenges.
- Experience with systems integration, workflow optimization, and operational planning for mission control environments.
- Availability: 1 position
Medical Team
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
- Introduction to the team
- The Medical team is responsible for everything regarding the well-being and training of the analog astronauts. We take care of their athletic preparation, their nutrition and food intake during the mission but also during the extreme environment training. We provide them with a sports schedule that will prepare them for the training and in the base, organise a tight routine for their physical and psychological upkeeping. We also have to organise psychological check-ins during the missions to care and monitor their behaviour during isolation. On top of this, we organise medical training online and in person to train our future astronauts. The Team is divided into sub-teams that will all have separate tasks but are required to meet together at least once every two weeks for check-ins with the heads and to create a more friendly coworking environment.
- Average hours required per week
- Depending on the sub-team you’ll take part in, there will be busier times than others, but in general, it won’t require more than 4-5 hours a week with a good organisation and planning (With which your heads will be able to help!)
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Working with the sub-teams to create trainings online and in person
- Working with the other teams such as science for medical related experiments or MCC to prepare for the mission
- Before the mission, review in depth and rewrite certain parts of the Medical’s Standard Operating Procedures manual and prepare them for the mission in july.
- Has to organise biomedical data for the experiments and create the consent forms for the astronauts to fill and be able to monitor their stats like blood pressure, height, weight, ecc. (These informations will be private to the medical team only to be able to do our best work and won’t end up in any paper or research for ethical reasons)
- Essential requirement for the Roles
- Dedication
- Teamwork
- Base knowledge in the field of work
- English fluency
- Will to learn and grow together 🙂
- Pursuing a degree in Biomedical engineering
- Knowledge in organising Biomedical data
- Desirable traits for the Roles
- Being a student from EPFL
- Prior knowledge in Excel
- Driver’s licence
- Availability: 1 positions
EPFL Logistics Team
EPFL Logistics Officer
EPFL Logistics Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The team consists of EPFL students (of any year – Bachelor’s, MAN,Master’s PhD) dedicated to the progress of the Asclepios V Mission. We take care of logistics issues, are in charge of handling the equipment of the association, organise events and collaborations, and help promote Asclepios to a wider audience especially in EPFL. Moreover, we take up technical projects (airlocks, astronaut suits’ repair/maintenance) in collaboration with the Design and MCC Team.
- Average hours required per week
- 5 hours a week during the span of the year, additional hours during Dress Rehearsal, Phase D and pre-mission preparation
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Take part in eSpace events and EPFL events considering associations
- Take up technical projects for the progress of the mission
- Promote Asclepios to a wider audience
- Organise and take care of the association’s inventory
- Organise events like Dress Rehearsal, Phase D and Pre-mission, when more members of the team will be on site
- Reach out to possible mentors and sponsors
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary labs
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Being an EPFL student
- Dedication
- Communication Skills
- Technical Inclination
- Being able to do public outreach
- Confidence in Presentation skills
- High interest in space related fields
- Fluent french and english speaker
- Can work in a stressful environment with time-pressing issues
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Has experience presenting a cause to the public
- Has a good understanding of how labs/associations/ MAKE/ eSpace work in EPFL
- (Preferably) has a car or a driving licence (not required at all, just would be convenient)
- Availability: 4 positions
Recruitment Team
Recruitment Officer
Recruitment Officer
- Introduction to the team
- The recruitment team is responsible for recruiting new people to the Asclepios V mission. We need to consider not only the applicant’s technical skills, but also their personality to ensure team cohesion and harmony for the mission and prior. If you would like to sit on the interviewer side of the table and are interested in Space, this is the team for you! If you were ever interested in working HR in a mainly STEM based setting this is the team for you!
- Average hours required per week
- 4-5 hours a week
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Read applications made to all the roles and rate their CV and cover letter with an algorithm
- Coordinate with other teams within Asclepios to ensure the recruitment cycle is as smooth as possible
- Conduct interviews
- Suggest and improve the future recruitment cycles
- Plan and support recruitment of Asclepios VI astronaut
- Ensure the satisfaction of all members / officers through forms and other means
- Essential requirement for the Role
- Confident and dependable judgement
- Good communication skills
- Persistence and determination
- Strong analytical skills
- Desirable traits for the Role
- Has prior experience in roles where responsibility is required (e.g. leadership roles)
- Undertook experiences that require critical thinking skills
- Knowledge in coding (utilised in improving the recruitment process)
- Availability: 2 positions