Doctoral Researcher in Electric Solar Wind Sail Mission Design
Join the MSCA-funded E-Sailors network to advance electric solar wind sail technology for deep space missions.
Best for:Best for aerospace engineers, space technologists, or physics graduates with strong simulation, programming, and orbital mechanics expertise seeking a multidisciplinary PhD in cutting-edge propulsion systems.
Overview
This PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network ‘Electric Solar Wind Sail Mission Design’ (E-Sailors), a collaborative initiative to develop and deploy electric solar wind sail (E-sail) technology for deep space exploration. Hosted by Aalto University in Finland, the role involves cutting-edge research on E-sail tether deployment, safety, and payload engineering, leveraging data from ongoing missions like Foresail-1p. The successful candidate will work across simulation, laboratory testing, and in-orbit validation, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical mission design. The programme offers interdisciplinary training in space technology, entrepreneurship, and open science, with opportunities for international collaboration at Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and industry partners. Two distinct PhD projects are available, focusing on either tether deployment dynamics or nanospacecraft payload development for lunar and deep-space missions.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research on E-sail tether deployment monitoring, dynamics, and safety to enhance reliability for future nanosatellite missions.
- Develop and validate numerical models of tether and spacecraft dynamics, including photorealistic 3D visualizations for deployment analysis.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterize tether deployment behavior and verify model performance under controlled conditions.
- Analyze in-orbit data from missions like Foresail-1p, contributing to image-based monitoring and interpretation of tether behavior.
- Propose and evaluate improved E-sail tether deployment schemes, safety mechanisms, and operational procedures for future missions.
- Document research progress through technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
- Collaborate with international teams at FMI, Spacecraft Anatomy, and CrystalSpace for interdisciplinary project execution.
- Develop business and entrepreneurship skills, including IPR management and preliminary business planning for space technology commercialization.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Technology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Excellent written and spoken English.
Instruction: English
- Proven research experience and independent work demonstrated through technical projects, theses, or publications.
- Strong proficiency in orbital mechanics and propagators (e.g., GMAT, STK).
- Expertise in propulsion systems, spacecraft dynamics, and space mission/environment analyses.
- Experience with simulation software and numerical methods (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Rust, C/C++).
- Familiarity with cubesats, small spacecraft systems, and space plasma physics.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent technical tasks and meet project deadlines autonomously.
- Leadership experience in multi-month technical projects with evidence of initiative and problem-solving.
- Open to EU/EEA nationals and international applicants under MSCA eligibility rules (e.g., mobility requirements).
- No prior experience caps, but research independence and innovation are critical.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: unknown (MSCA Doctoral Network typically has annual deadlines; check MSCA portal for exact dates)
Applicants must submit a cover letter specifying their preferred position (E-Sailor 8 or E-Sailor 4), a CV, and evidence of research independence (e.g., publications, theses, technical reports, or project descriptions). Additional documents may include reference letters and examples of prior work demonstrating innovation and problem-solving skills. Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, technical expertise, and alignment with the project goals.
- Cover letter indicating preferred position (E-Sailor 8 or E-Sailor 4)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed description of personal contributions to prior projects (outcomes, impact, and level of independence)
- References (publications, theses, technical reports, simulations, code samples, or documentation)
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-speaking country)
Contact
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