This PhD will investigate novel methods to improve the operation and efficiency of Hall thrusters, the dominate type of propulsion used in space. This will be in particular towards their lower operational power range, using techniques such as changing their geometry and increasing their current density.

Electric propulsion (EP) continues to revolutionise space, including missions such as the redeployment of satellites over Ukraine for improved communication following the Russian invasion.

The vast majority of EP-enabled spacecraft utilise Hall thrusters, which offer performance at the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of a high exhaust velocity, but still satisfactory thrust. However Hall thrusters efficiency has plateaued at around 50% when operating at 1 kW using xenon. Recent work has however hinted that through alternative configurations, in particular operating at a high current density, the efficiency of a Hall thruster can be improved. This technique has currently been applied to Hall thrusters operating at tens of kW.

This PhD study will investigate whether similar methods can improve the efficiency of Hall thrusters at lower power ranges, within the 500-5000 W wherein most commercially exploited Hall thrusters operate. Various thruster configurations will be evaluated, with their performance measured using thrust stands, and new diagnostics suite available at the University of Southampton.

This PhD is sponsored by Pulsar Fusion , a leading companies in Hall thruster technology.

The successful candidate will gain industry experience working along-side Pulsar Fusion’s engineering team and will have the opportunity to influence the company’s product development and sales work via part-time consultancy work.

The work will build upon previous work developing small Hall thrusters and cylindrical thrusters, our database of Hall thrusters, and our world class ion thruster testing facilities.

You will develop expertise in electric propulsion and in particular on the world leading technology of Hall thrusters.

For informal discussions with regards to the PhD, please contact Dr Charlie Ryan, [email protected] .

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent . A background in aerospace engineering would be beneficial, as well as lots of enthusiasm!

How to apply Investigation of high efficiency configurations of Hall thrusters in the 500 – 5000 W Power range | University of Southampton

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
• add name of the supervisor Dr Charlie Ryan in section 2 of the application form

Applications should include:

• personal statement
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date