Join our student project to send shrimps to space!

Student Volunteer Role: Payload Operator

SCAMPI Project – European Space Agency / The Spring Institute for Forests on the Moon

 

About the SCAMPI Project

SCAMPI is a student-led space mission investigating closed aquatic ecosystems—algae, microbes, and shrimp—aboard the International Space Station. The genetic data returned from the mission will illuminate nutrient cycling in microgravity, paving the way for future closed-loop life support systems. The project is entering its operational phase, with the experiment scheduled to run on the ISS for 90+ days starting in Q1 2026.

 

Role Overview

The Payload Operator will be part of the ground team responsible for monitoring the telemetry of the SCAMPI module while it is on the ISS. This role does not require advanced technical skills, but is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of the mission by responding to alerts and maintaining communication with the rest of the team. Operators will participate in an on-call rotation to provide coverage in case of emergencies or unexpected events.

 

Eligibility Requirements

• Must hold an EU passport
• Must be currently enrolled as a student at an EU university
• Able to participate in an on-call rotation and respond promptly to notifications during assigned shifts

 

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor incoming telemetry and status updates from the SCAMPI payload during its 90+ day mission on the ISS
• Log daily operational data and report any anomalies or alerts to the core SCAMPI team
• Participate in an on-call rotation, being available to respond to urgent notifications and assist in basic troubleshooting or escalation as needed
• Follow established procedures for incident reporting and escalation
• Attend periodic team meetings and briefings to stay updated on mission status and procedures

 

What You’ll Gain

• Be part of a team supporting a live space experiment—an excellent, resume-building experience
• Gain usable experience into non-engineering space industry roles through real-time mission operations and ground station procedures
• Exposure to ESA and its educational programs; some past members have moved on to ESA roles
• Flexible time commitment and valuable teamwork experience in a unique international research environment

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

• No specific technical background required; all necessary training will be provided
• Reliable, responsible, and able to remain attentive during assigned on-call periods
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team
• Enthusiasm for space science and operations

How to Apply

To join the SCAMPI mission as a Payload Operator student volunteer, please send your CV and a short statement describing your interest in the role to project.scampi@gmail.com.
Applications are reviewed immediately; decisions will be made by mid-May.

Join us as we make history with SCAMPI—help support a living ecosystem experiment on the International Space!