About the project
This project aims to develop a real-time in-situ plasma measurement payload for CubeSats. This payload will enable CubeSats to measure the characteristics of their space environment in real time, providing crucial information about interactions that could cause failure and possible ways to mitigate them.
Small satellites, especially CubeSats, are playing an increasingly vital role in space missions, from observing Earth to exploring deep space. They offer a wide range of mission possibilities to various stakeholders. However, the harsh and unpredictable space environment often threatens the success of these missions. In fact, more than half of the launched CubeSats fail to achieve their objectives, mainly due to system malfunctions caused by the harsh space environment. If CubeSats could measure the characteristics of their space environment in real-time, they could provide valuable information about the interactions that cause failure and suggest possible solutions.
You will develop this real-time in-situ plasma measurement payload for CubeSats using the principle of the Langmuir probe. The plasma measurement system called the “PlasmaCube” comprises the electrodes, electronics, and the data collection system. You will research the design of the optimum configuration (shape, size, and location) of the electrodes and design a nano-level current measurement electronics, control system (on and off), and a robust data collection system. This system will become a standardized, plug-and-play solution tailored for CubeSats and other small satellite platforms.
By joining the Astronautics research group, you will work with a collaborative team dedicated to solving interdisciplinary space engineering problems. You will contribute to a pioneering project at the intersection of plasma physics, optimization, and small satellite technology, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on experience with CubeSat technologies. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with several universities in the UK, Europe, USA, and Japan to test and fly the payloads for in-orbit validation. This is a unique chance to contribute to international space missions and global space environment datasets.
