Master Thesis: Measuring and Monitoring Emissions from Rocket Engine Testing Intern

SSC Space is a global space company that enables organization’s to access and operate in space. At Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, we support activities ranging from scientific research to rocket engine testing. Join us for a master’s thesis combining hands-on technical work with environmental analysis and contribute to how we measure and monitor emissions from rocket engine tests!

Responsibilities

Rocket engine testing is essential for developing and qualifying propulsion systems. However, there is currently no established emissions baseline for engine tests at Esrange. Understanding the types, quantities and variation of these emissions will provide a foundation for environmental assessment, transparent sustainability work and future improvement initiatives. 

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a technically sound and practical approach to measuring emissions from rocket engine testing and use it to establish an initial emissions baseline. The work should provide reliable data, a repeatable measurement methodology and recommendations for continued monitoring. 

Working closely with SSC specialists and your academic supervisor, you will: 

• Map relevant test configurations, propellants, operating conditions, existing instrumentation, available environmental data and measurement constraints.
• Identify relevant emission components and environmental indicators. Propose sampling locations, instruments or analytical methods, calibration procedures, measurement frequency and data-quality requirements.
• Prepare a measurement campaign and, subject to test availability and operational approval, carry out measurements during one or more rocket engine tests at Esrange.
• Process and evaluate the results, quantify measurement uncertainty and compare test conditions where feasible.
• Propose practical methods and indicators for continued measurement, documentation and reporting. If time and data quality allow, identify and assess potential measures to reduce emissions.

The work is expected to combine a literature and standards review, interviews with our specialists, analysis of test and propellant data, measurement setup design, field measurements and laboratory or sensor-based analysis, as appropriate. 
Key research questions include which emissions are most relevant, how they can be measured safely and repeatably under Esrange operating conditions, and how measurement uncertainty should be managed. 
Your deliverables will include a documented methodology and measurement plan, a structured dataset and initial emissions baseline, an assessment of limitations and uncertainty, and recommendations for future monitoring. 

You will also produce a final master’s thesis report and present your findings to SSC Space and your university. 
The final scope and methodology will be agreed with the selected students and academic supervisor to match academic requirements, operational opportunities and the available measurement campaign. All activities must comply with site access, safety, environmental and test-operation requirements.

Requirements

We are looking for one or two motivated master’s students who enjoy combining experimental work with environmental analysis. 
Relevant study backgrounds include environmental engineering, sustainable technology, sustainable engineering, chemical engineering, energy engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, measurement technology, applied physics or a related field. 

We believe you: 

• Are enrolled in a relevant master’s program at a Swedish university or technical institute and are eligible to undertake a master’s thesis.
• Have a strong technical foundation and an interest in sustainability and environmental performance.
• Are comfortable with experimental work, instrumentation, measurement methods and data analysis.
• Work methodically and can follow procedures in a safety-critical operational environment.
• Communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing. Swedish is an advantage.
• Take responsibility for your own tasks and collaborate effectively with others, including a thesis partner if working as a pair.

Benefits

We Offer You 
An opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to a real technical challenge and help shape how SSC Space measures and evaluates emissions from future rocket engine tests. 
As part of our team at Esrange, you will work alongside experienced specialists, gain insight into rocket testing operations and explore how technology, environmental performance and sustainability connect within a global space company. You will have an industrial supervisor from SSC Space and an academic supervisor from your university to support your thesis work. 
 
Location 
The project will be carried out primarily at Esrange Space Center, near Kiruna, Sweden. Some preparatory analysis and report writing may be possible remotely by agreement. 
The planned start is early 2027, with the detailed schedule agreed between the students, SSC Spae and the university. The project is suitable for one student or two students working jointly on one master’s thesis project. 
 
Next Steps 
Please submit a joint or individual application including:  

• Your CV, or both CVs if applying together.
• A short description of relevant coursework and technical experience.
• A brief motivation explaining your interest in rocket engine testing, noise measurements and environmental performance.

If applying individually, please indicate whether you already have a thesis partner.    

Application deadline: 2026-12-31  
Planned project period: Q1–Q2 2027   

For questions about the project, please contact Juan Garcia-Lisbona at [email protected]. Please note that this email address is for enquiries only. Applications must be submitted through our recruitment system and will not be accepted by email.   

The final scope will be refined together with the selected students and their academic supervisor to align with academic requirements, operational opportunities and the available measurement campaign.