Postdoc Machine Learning for Solar-Sail-Assisted Active Debris Removal

Postdoc Machine Learning for Solar-Sail-Assisted Active Debris Removal

Are you looking for an exciting postdoc that combines astrodynamics, solar sailing, and machine learning? Then come join project SWEEP and help clean up space debris!

Job description

The “streets in space” are lined with garbage. Operational satellites that are vital to our everyday lives share their orbits with thousands of pieces of debris. An impact from such a debris object may destroy a satellite, or worse, threaten human spaceflight. Action is needed to clean up space.

Project SWEEP (Space-Waste Elimination around Earth by Photon propulsion) responds to this call for action by exploiting the endless propulsion capabilities of solar sailing. A spacecraft equipped with a solar sail rides on sunlight the way sailboats ride on the wind, making it a sustainable and cost-effective form of propulsion for a many-target active debris removal (ADR) mission.

To indeed demonstrate solar sailing as unmatched propulsion method for space debris removal, the SWEEP project will deliver state-of-the-art models and numerical tools to examine the solar-sail orbital dynamics around Earth. It will do so within a team of PhDs and a large consortium of space agencies (ESA, NASA, DLR), companies (ISISpace), and key academic players (e.g., University of Colorado Boulder, Embry-Riddle, Purdue University, Politecnico di Milano).

Objective: The objective of this postdoc is to enable the computation of solar-sail Earth-bound trajectories at unprecedented speeds. Reducing the computational effort is key in solving the travelling salesperson problem (TSP), i.e., the order in which pieces of debris should be removed. With approximately 30,000 catalogued space debris objects, the TSP becomes a very large and very computationally expensive combinatorial problem.

Methodology: To solve the TSP with realistic computational effort, this postdoctoral project will exploit the use of machine learning to quickly generate large sets of solar-sail trajectory options. Training data will be provided through the results of one of the PhD projects of the SWEEP project. The resulting models will be used by the SWEEP team to assess the feasibility of a solar-sail many-target active debris removal mission.

Research collaboration and conference travel: During the project, the postdoctoral researcher will closely collaborate with the PhD researchers of the project and collaborative partners (see the consortium mentioned above) and will have access to a generous budget for conference travel.

The SWEEP project is funded by NWO domain Applied and Engineering Sciences.

The expected starting date of this postdoctoral project is 1 September 2025 (though flexible if needed).

Requirements

Applicants should have

• A PhD (or close to obtaining a PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, or any other scientific or technical area relevant to the proposed research. Relevant research experience in astrodynamics, solar sailing, trajectory optimisation, and/or machine learning is considered a plus.
• A strong background in numerical modelling.
• The capability to work both independently and within a team of PhD researchers and international partners.
• A strong motivation, a high degree of taking initiative, and the ability to think creatively.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 38 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Ir. M.J. (Jeannette) Heiligers, Associate Professor, via M.J.Heiligers@tudelft.nl.