Postdoc Mission Analysis for a Space Weather Warning Mission

Postdoc Mission Analysis for a Space Weather Warning Mission

Are you looking for an exciting postdoctoral project in space mission analysis? Then come join the EIC-funded project STORM (Solar WeaTher FORecasting Mission) at TU Delft!

Job description

This postdoctoral research project is part of project “STORM”, a European Innovation Council (EIC) funded project that will investigate and conduct technology development for a space weather mission in proximity of the Sun-Earth L1 point. The mission’s objective is to provide an early warning and forecasting system to prevent damage to society and critical infrastructure on Earth and in space caused by solar weather events. The baseline mission scenario includes a constellation of so-called “sensing satellites” that will be deployed using electric propulsion, but will be maintained through the use of solar-sail propulsion.

Within the European consortium, led by Neutron Star Systems UG (Germany), TU Delft is responsible for the development of the orbital mechanics of the mission. The work will stretch the entire mission timeline, from developing tools and techniques to design and optimise the fly-out from Earth, to defining the deployment strategy of the sensing satellites around L1, to computing and characterizing (quasi-)periodic orbits for the constellation design, and developing orbit control strategies for long-term orbit maintenance by exploiting the “free” solar-sail acceleration. Finally, to comply with debris mitigation guidelines, the work will also include the definition of suitable end-of-life disposal options. The results from the orbital-dynamics work package will be used to formulate requirements on the solar-sail subsystem, the electric propulsion system, and the overall spacecraft capabilities, and directly feed into the other work packages on mission design and technology development.

The new insights gained during this postdoctoral research project will significantly improve the applicability of solar-sail technology for Lagrange-point missions like STORM. New mission applications, like early asteroid detection, may open up and may be investigated during the project. Similarly, the understanding of the deployment of the sensing satellites may be applied to yield new insights into large-constellation deployment strategies like those that would be required for the deployment of hundreds, if not thousands, of sunshades for space-based geoengineering.

The international consortium is led by Neutron Star Systems UG (Germany) and is further composed of Jones Solution Holding GmbH (Germany), Space Robotic Workers, S.L.U. (Spain), Gama (France), University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg), and AIKOSPACE (Italy).

Requirements

Applicants should have

• A PhD in astrodynamics. Relevant research experience in Lagrange-point dynamics, low-thrust propulsion, solar sailing, trajectory optimisation, and/or periodic orbit design and control is considered a plus.
• A strong background in numerical modelling
• The capability to work both independently and within a team of international partners from different disciplines and/or technical backgrounds
• 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 2.5 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.

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.