Alumni - ESPACE M.Sc.

🗣️ Divyesh, graduated in 2011

💼 Assistant Professor at the Geomatics Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Jammu

My responsibilities include teaching courses such as Surveying Theory & Practices, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Disaster Management, Microwave Radar and Radiometric Remote Sensing, & Hydrologic Applications of Remote Sensing. My research group primarily works on remote sensing applications in snow geophysics and glaciology, snow-glacier hydrology, Earth surface processes, natural hazards in mountainous regions and Urban studies. I am also serving as the academic editor for PLOS ONE, editorial board member (Geoscience) for Scientific Reports, Review Editor for Frontiers in Remote Sensing, and editorial board member for All Earth (Geodinamica Acta). 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

The course curriculum of the program is very well rounded through the various disciplines which enhanced my understanding and laid a foundation for future opportunities. Moreover, the practical skills gained through internships, coursework projects and opportunities for master thesis are significant in grabbing career development opportunities. 

💡 Advice for students:

Encourage students to take courses additionally in the other disciplines of their choices, it is a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge, be in touch with your seniors and alumni for any career opportunities, its highly beneficial. 

🗣️ Jörn, graduated in 2011

💼 MTG Integration and Verification Engineer at EUMETSAT

My duties are:
Integration and Verification of the MTG Ground Segment, focusing on the Data Processing
Chain
- Definition of test specifications and test procedures, including the requirement
analysis and test design
- Planning, organisation and execution of Test Campaigns with multiple stakeholder
including the preparation of Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and Test Review Boards
(TRB)
- Reporting to the IVV Manager on significant issues identified during the
integration and verification of the Data Processing Chain
- Identification, analysis and pursuing of anomalies
Leading a service of 2 contractors

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

Before joining the ESPACE program I did my "Diplom Ingenieur" in Aeronautics and Astronautics at FH Aachen; so I started with a very sound background in the engineering and orbit dynamic fields. Something I can still rely on in my professional career.
The ESPACE program to me was thus a good fit to increase my knowledge on the Remote Sensing area, strengthening the scientific understanding.
I cannot remember which professor it was, but the message stuck with me: "You are not supposed to be the expert in engineering nor in science. Your role should be in between: understanding both sides and bringing them together to build a good system."
The commitment of Prof. Hugentobler and Prof. Stiller to support and develop their students, helping them to grow not only in academics, but actively supporting applications for the YGT pgroamme at ESA is still unforgotten.

💡 Advice for students:

You are graduating from TUM and will thus have a degree that is well recognised in industry. Apply for jobs you want to do and follow your passion. There are always opportunities to develop further or change: don't stop growing.
Use the network of ESPACE alumni.

🗣️ Homa, graduated in 2013

💼 Lead AI/ML Scientist  at ZEISS Meditec

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

ESPACE was/is a very unique program, its versatile curriculum offered many paths for career growth to me personally. From a technical perspective, the exposure to data from different sensors was what helped me the most in my career. Aside from this, the close connection of ESPACE with DLR and possibility of conducting student job/thesis at DLR was an accelerator to build a career.

💡 Advice for students:

Take every chance to delve into the valuable course and teaching material of ESPACE during your studies. After graduation, however, don’t feel confined only by your master’s degree. Only a lifelong learner can build a successful career ;)

🗣️ Raul Arturo, graduated in 2013

💼 Director of the Department of Technological and Industrial Processes at ITESO University

Responsible for an engineering department at ITESO University, in charge of the curriculum of the academic programs, determining the workload and faculty schedules, evaluating the performance of the personnel, participating in the selection processes of potential new professors and staff members, overseeing links with industry and government, as well as supervising research projects.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

The ESPACE program offers an ideal environment that combines the expertise of distinguished lecturers with strong connections to the space industry and research centers, all within a renowned university setting. Through this program, I learned how to bridge ideas, science, and knowledge, guided by the dedication and excellence of its exceptional faculty.

💡 Advice for students:

The comprehensive experience offered by this program, across its diverse fields of space science and technology, enriched by Munich's dynamic ecosystem, presents a unique opportunity to grow within a cutting-edge academic environment. While dedication is an essential ingredient if you’re considering this program, the return—in terms of meaningful connections and advanced knowledge—is undoubtedly greater. It is truly a life-changing experience. 

🗣️ Arianna, graduated in 2017

💼 LEO-PNT System Engineer at ESA

I work as LEO-PNT System Engineer, contributing to LEO-PNT system engineering activities, including system architecture, system performance, technical requirements, internal and external interfaces, constellation mission analysis, concept of operations.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

I enjoyed the fact that we were a small class, which meant professors could dedicate more time to us, and we could connect among us students more easily. I liked the fact that a lot of work was meant to do in teams, so you can learn how to become a team player. Moreover, it opened a great network of opportunities, giving access to internships, thesis and work positions.

💡 Advice for students:

Apply to ESA graduate programmes.

🗣️ Pavel, graduated in 2018

💼 Satellite Concept Systems Engineer at Reflex Aerospace GmbH 

Creating initial satellite concepts (unit selection; mass, power, Delta-V, pointibg, link budgets; Mission Analysis; schedule and cost, and etc.) based on interactions with potential clients. Bringing the gap between engineering and business development teams. 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

It opened some doors and made me realize what I want to do. Was definitely fun. Some subjects were of course so-so but I think the program gives you good overview to see what you can specialize in. 

💡 Advice for students:

The program can will provide you with some potential opportunitues, but it is up to you to realize them.
When you know what you want to do, talk to the professors to see if they can help you move forward.
Try to do extra Think.Make.Start and Satellite Workshop (extra voluntary summer courses) - super fun. 

🗣️ Andrea, graduated in 2019

💼 Remote Sensing Scientist for Optical Imagery at EUMETSAT

I work on algorithms for the retrieval of geophysical parameters from optical instruments, the commissioning of optical instruments including radiometric and geometric data quality aspects from Level-0 to Level-2, as well as data processing and visualisation tools. 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

The ESPACE program gave me a really solid and varied background in all aspects of a satellite mission, from the space segment to the data exploitation. There is no aspect of the ESPACE curriculum that I haven't used in my job sooner or later. 

💡 Advice for students:

 Studying hard pays off! But, at the same time, don't forget ot enjoy your student times, particularly with all that Munich and the surroundings have to offer. Trying to get experiences outside of ESPACE, e.g. through student jobs at other institutions like DLR or the DGFI, is really valuable both in terms of acquired skills as well as looking good on a CV. I also really enjoyed my semester abroad - TUMExchange is a great opportunity!

🗣️ Simonas, graduated in 2020

💼 Radar engineer. Cal/Val activities of SAR data at Synspective Inc.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

Developing a wide range of skills useful for satellite (and beyond) data processing was invaluable experience preparing for a role in the industry. Great diversity of students enrolling for the program.

💡 Advice for students:

 Get your hands on some satellite data as soon as you can. It will help to wrap your head around what the core of your work is likely to be centered around in the near future.

🗣️ Natalia, graduated in 2020

💼 NTS-3 Deputy Principal Investigator and Field Test Lead at Air Force Research Laboratory - United States Space Force 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

The experience of meeting people from all over the world was great.

💡 Advice for students:

 1. It's better to take it upon yourself to learn the course material than to rely on the university. You'll get out what you put into it. 
2. Do your thesis in a company, and do a good job. They can hire you afterwards, even during a crisis. Just register your thesis - your efficiency is higher under pressure. 
3. Take the time to visit your friends' home countries while you're young. It's not only easy to travel in Europe, but also from Europe. So enjoy it!
4. Learn a useful language from your friends - Chinese, Arabic or Spanish. Those communities will take you places, no matter where you are in the world. 
5. Don't delay your graduation by too much. People always say when you're young you have a lot of time but no money, and when you're old you have a lot of money but no time. But depending on where you work, you don't have to compromise. There are contracts with unlimited leave. I can take up to 73 days this year. 
6. Make friends in the dorms so that you can sublease rooms from them. 

🗣️ Marius, graduated in 2021

💼 PhD Candidate at Technical University of Munich

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

Great, working in an international environment with very motivated classmates. The connections stayed relevant and reliable even years after graduating. The program gives a broad overview, with a variety of opportunities to dive into the focus area of your choosing.

💡 Advice for students:

 Embrace the pool of mixed expertise and keep learning with and from each other. And build meaningful connections. 

🗣️ Sindhu, graduated in 2022

💼 Doctoral candidate  at German Aerospace Center

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

The broadness of the curriculum means that I have some knowledge in many fields. I think this gave me versatility that I might not have attained if I had studied a different program.

💡 Advice for students:

 Try to work as a HiWi in academia and industry if possible. It could help you narrow down what you want to do after ESPACE.

🗣️ Matthew, graduated in 2022

💼 Doctoral Candidate at TUM Institute of Astronomical and Physical Geodesy

Doctoral Candidate - research focusing on the optimization of future satellite gravimetry missions, in collaboration with a few startup companies in the Munich area. 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

I had a mostly very positive experience. The curriculum is varied and gives introductions into many interesting topics in satellite engineering. One of the highlights is certainly the friends I made in the program. 

💡 Advice for students:

One piece of advice I’d give is be deliberate and put a lot of thought into what you choose as a specialization and thesis topic, since these will most likely point towards where you will be working after finishing the program. 

🗣️ Deniz, graduated in 2023

💼 PhD student at the institute of DLR atmospheric physics

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

It is nice they you get many different courses in the first semester and then have the freedom to choose what you like the most.

💡 Advice for students:

Student clubs (e.g. student satellite projects) are very helpful to gain experience and network.

🗣️ANONYMOUS,  graduated in 2025

💼 Project researcher at TU Wien (Technical University Vienna)

Project researcher at climate remote sensing group. Improving the operational processing of soil moisture products for the integration into climate research.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

Offers a good foundation for any interest in the space science field, i.e. signal processing, orbits, GNSS, remote sensing. Great chance of collaboration with research institutions as DLR, DGFI, etc. or industry.

💡 Advice for students:

Start early with contacting professors for a thesis ;) in general, don't hesitate to contact people, whether it's PhDs, professors, researchers.

🗣️ANONYMOUS,  graduated in 2017

💼Wissenschaftliches Mitarbeiter - Engineering and R&D for both research and mission based projects

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

Diversity of technologies and fields that are interacted with through the program.

💡 Advice for students:

Find a Praktikum or internship that you can undertake along side at least 1 semester in the direction that you are interested in pursuing.

🗣️ANONYMOUS,  graduated in 2024

💼Research Associate (Test Engineer)

As a test engineer, I am responsible for testing individual components during development, as well as verifying the complete system as the project approaches completion. To identify potential issues and develop effective test strategies, it is essential to understand the entire project – including both the customer’s perspective and the developer’s point of view.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

You get insights into many topics which really helps you to understand the bigger picture of projects

Great People with which you get good contact thanks to the size of the study program.

💡 Advice for students:

Take advantage of all the oppertunities available to figure out in which directions you want to go. Attend summer schools, esa academy, get a HIWI-Job, ... - now is the perfect time to try things out. Connect with people in the field, get different perspectives and experience different teaching styles. Just go for it! And most important: Have fun!

Talk with higher ESPACE years. You might get to know about jobs you didn't know about before or just about open positions which are not published yet.

🗣️Franc

💼 Field Application Engineer at Trimble

I work in automotive GNSS industry. Developing high technology that improves GNSS accuracy. 

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

 It is a multidisciplinary program that I enjoyed a lot..

💡 Advice for students:

 I'd recommend to try as many new disciplines as possible. Take courses that sound fun, they usually are! 

🗣️ANONYMOUS

💼 Patent examiner at European Patent Office 

Searching for prior art and checking compliance of patent applications regarding the EPC and PCT/ examination of patent applications.

🎓 On the ESPACE program:

I liked all the group work and practical tasks and got a working level in English.

💡 Advice for students:

Take the opportunity to explore possible future employers during the Mater thesis.