PhD Studentship: Development of a high performance all-printed propulsion system (ALPS) for VLEO DiskSat

Project title: Development of a high performance all-printed propulsion system (ALPS) for VLEO DiskSat  

Supervisory Team: Min Kwan Kim (95%) / Charlie Ryan (5%)

Project description

This PhD project aims to develop a high-performance version of ALPS (ALl-printed Propulsion System to maintain attitude of VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit).

VLEO refers to orbits between 250 and 450 kilometres above the Earth’s surface, and offers an attractive link budget, a reduced radiation environment and lower latency. Therefore, VLEO satellite technology is currently set to become a global competitor to traditional landline communications service providers. As satellites and debris objects alike are pulled from orbit within a short period in VLEO, it is a sustainable orbital regime for long-term space development.

DiskSat is a plate-shaped satellite 1m in diameter and 2 cm thick having the ability to fly continuously in a low-drag orientation. As the DiskSat has an unprecedentedly high power-to-mass ratio and low aerodynamic drag, it can provide an ideal platform for telecommunication missions in VLEOs. A propulsion system is an essential component of the DiskSat to be used in VLEO missions to compensate for its orbital decay losses and sustain its orbital altitude. However, the thin nature of DiskSat platform makes difficult to use conventional electric propulsion systems.

In this project, the candidate will develop a propulsion system for the DiskSat by adapting the ALPS concept. ALPS is a standalone electric propulsion system based on a cluster of thin-layer vacuum arc thrusters. Due to its innovative form factor, the ALPS can be an ideal propulsion system for the DiskSat. Through this PhD project, the candidate will develop an engineering model (EM) of high-performance version of the ALPS for the DiskSat and evaluating its performance for future in-orbit demonstration missions.

This studentship covers UK level tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stiped at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £18,551 for 2023/24, for up to 3.5 years. The ideal candidate should have a first-class degree in a general Engineering area (Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical etc) or Applied Mathematics.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Minkwan Kim (email: m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk / Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 2716).

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (must have a UK 1^st class honours degree).

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 July 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £17,668 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Min Kwan Kim

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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