About the project
As the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment becomes more congested and the types of satellite missions become more varied, satellites need more flexible propulsion systems that can deliver a range of performance characteristics, enabling more responsive satellite missions. This PhD project will develop a dual mode propulsion system, where the same propellant is used in a chemical rocket and an ion thruster, allowing far greater flexible of mission design.
As the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment becomes more congested and the types of satellite missions become more varied, there is a need for more flexible propulsion systems that can deliver more varied performance, enabling responsive satellite missions. This can be high thrust rockets that move satellites faster, to low thruster high efficiency ion thrusters that enable larger and more manoeuvres to be completed.
This PhD project will investigate more flexible satellite propulsion systems through the development of a dual mode propulsion system, where the same propellant is used in a chemical rocket and an ion thruster, allowing far greater flexible of mission design.
Various molecular propellants will be investigated that can be used in both a chemical thruster and within a Hall effect ion thruster. Different molecules will be considered, their theoretical and systems performance analysed, leading towards the design and testing of the two (ion thruster and small scale chemical thruster) systems.
The research will build upon Southampton's experience in both ion thrusters and chemical propulsion systems. Southampton, through the David Fearn Electric Propulsion Lab, have a well established research expertise in the development and testing of Hall thrusters, including across a wide variety of propellants.
The chemical propulsion aspect will build upon the development of small scale chemical thrusters within Professor Ryan's research group, in particular those using hydrogen peroxide.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
