PhD Studentship: Novel Electrochemical Architecture for Sustainable Propellant Rockets - Rocketry Research, Teaching, and Training (R2T2)

R2T2 is a UKSA-funded doctoral training programme dedicated to academic research in rocket propulsion, with an emphasis on the acquisition of the practical skills required to pursue a career in the launch industry. R2T2 PhD programmes are already underway at nine UK universities, and the programme overall is centred on the Westcott facility where it co-locates with the UK Race2Space programme. Each R2T2 studentship is associated with an industrial partner active in the launch industry, and provides full funding and stipend, an extensive training programme in respect of industry-specific skills, and access to hotfire facilities at Westcott, Machrihanish, and elsewhere. You can learn more about the programme at r2t2.org.uk.

The project available at the University of Surrey, in association with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, involves the design, manufacturing and testing of a novel propulsion architecture leveraging advanced electrochemistry technology to enable the use of sustainable propellant in a chemical rocket system. The architecture can be directly integrated into existing satellite platforms, enhancing their orbital capabilities and/or can become a cornerstone technology for future planetary exploration missions where rocket propellant will be derived from in-situ resources.

Supervisor: Dr Andrea Lucca Fabris

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information. Starting in October 2025. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Andrea Lucca Fabris once the deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

This project is suitable for a student with a first-class degree in engineering, chemistry, physics or a closely related physical science.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Space Engineering PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project “Novel Electrochemical Architecture for Sustainable Propellant Rockets - Rocketry Research, Teaching, and Training (R2T2)” and the name of the supervisor. Please also get in touch with the supervisor Dr A Lucca Fabris, email: a.luccafabris@surrey.ac.uk.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only. Fees covered, UKRI standard stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26 academic year) for 4 years.  

Application deadline: 17 June 2025

Enquiries: Contact Dr Andrea Lucca Fabris

Ref: PGR-2425-060

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