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PhD in Development of Dual Mode Chemical-Electric Propulsion Systems for More Agile Spacecraft University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Competition funded PhD project. Fees and funding are available via the project page; no stipend amount is stated in the post.
Deadline
Apr 1, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in development of dual mode chemical-electric propulsion systems for more agile spacecraft.
This postgraduate research project focuses on aerospace engineering, spacecraft propulsion, chemical propulsion, ion thrusters, and Hall effect thrusters. The project aims to develop a dual-mode propulsion system in which the same propellant can be used in both a chemical rocket and an ion thruster, enabling more flexible satellite mission design and more responsive operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Research topics include investigating molecular propellants suitable for both chemical thrusters and Hall effect ion thrusters, analysing theoretical and systems performance, and progressing toward the design and testing of both a small-scale chemical thruster and an ion thruster. The project builds on Southampton's established expertise through the David Fearn Electric Propulsion Lab and related work in small-scale chemical thrusters, including hydrogen peroxide-based systems.
Degree level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Funding: competition funded. Entry requirement: at least a 2:1 honours degree. Deadline: 1 April 2027.
Applicants should review the project page, check the full entry requirements and funding information, and apply through the University of Southampton postgraduate research application route.
Funding details
Competition funded PhD project. Fees and funding are available via the project page; no stipend amount is stated in the post.
What's required
Applicants should have a 2:1 honours degree. The project is a doctoral research opportunity in engineering/propulsion, so a strong background relevant to spacecraft propulsion, chemical propulsion, ion thrusters, or related physical sciences would be advantageous, although no further specific requirements are stated.
How to apply
Review the project page and the full entry requirements, then use the university's PhD application process linked from the project page. Check the fees and funding section before applying.
More information can be found here
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