Attitude and Orbit Control of Large Space Structures PhD

This fully-funded PhD research opportunity, supported by EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) and Cranfield, offers a competitive bursary of £24,500 per annum, covering full tuition fees. This PhD project will develop novel methods for modelling and controlling large space structures (LSSs) that might be used in future space missions. LSS applications span from space-based solar power systems to ultra-wide telescopes, including space data centres and vast antenna systems, and require dimensions ranging from hundreds of meters to kilometres. The candidate will explore advanced and modern distributed control strategies to mitigate the couplings between the Attitude and Orbit Control System and the nonlinear flexible structural dynamics of LSSs.

Recent advances in reusable launchers, autonomous robotics, and advanced materials could redefine how we design space structures. The ability to remotely assemble orbital systems from multiple launcher payloads would allow satellites to be much larger than ever before, enabling applications previously considered to be science fiction. Space-based solar power (SBSP) will require LSSs with dimensions at the kilometre scale, using ultrathin components to maintain feasible launch masses. Despite the contrasting scales of these large space structures, their structural shape will need to be carefully managed to allow for efficient solar energy harvesting.

This project will deliver novel methods for modelling and controlling LSS structural dynamics in the extreme orbital environment. Particularly challenging is the mitigation of the coupling effects between the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) and the flexibility of the structure, which would require distributed model predictive or adaptive control strategies applied in synergy with active structural actuators or damping systems. The problem can become even more challenging if we consider moving masses across the structure (e.g. robotic manipulators moving and assembling parts or spacecraft docking to the structure). The project will explore novel ML- or DL-based techniques, as they may address computational and physical challenges arising from the extended complexity of LSS dynamics.

Key objectives:
- Undertake an in-depth review of the literature on LSS applications, LSS dynamics, and satellite control, leading to the definition of mission-specific requirements and informed trade-offs for selecting effective LSS configurations for SBSP and other applications.
- Develop analytical and numerical models to investigate the extent and sources of nonlinear behaviour in LSSs, subjected to space environmental, mission and robotic operations disturbances.
- Develop novel control strategies to stabilise LSS shape, orbit & attitude, including optimisation of the number/position/type of hardware.

Cranfield University has a long history in space systems, having undertaken space studies since the 1960s. Current research focuses on sustainability in and from space, working closely with industry and agency partners. Cranfield's Space Robotics Team leads research on in-orbit robotic assembly, modelling, and control of LSSs, and participates in several ESA-, EU-, and UK Space Agency-funded projects. The PhD student will be part of the team, collaborating with researchers working in space robotics, guidance, navigation and control of space systems, and attitude and orbit control systems, contributing to the development of the ASTRA-Lab.

There is a generous travel budget for attendance at one or more international conferences per year, including for personal development and training courses.

The successful candidate will develop important technical skills in spacecraft structural, orbital and attitude dynamics of space systems, become an expert in AOCS design for ultra-flexible space structures, and develop system engineering skills throughout the project. They will also develop soft skills such as project/time management, research development, and scientific communication. There is also the possibility of developing teaching and supervision skills on the MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering programme.

Entry Requirements:
Candidates should have excellent analytical and engineering skills, obtained through an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering (or equivalent), MSc in Control Engineering (or equivalent), MSc in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent), or Physics. Pre-existing knowledge of attitude dynamics and control strategies for space systems, structural dynamics (modal analysis, FEM, etc.), astrodynamics and control and estimation is highly appreciated and recommended.

Funding:
Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DLA studentship will provide an enhanced bursary of up to £24,500 per annum (tax free) plus fees for three and a half years. To be eligible, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student.