PhD Positions Advanced Space Propulsion Systems

For a recently granted EU project, TU Delft will collaborate with other high-level European universities and industrial partners for the development of a bimodal propulsion system (main orbital control propulsion + reaction control thrusters) based on shared green propellants, produced in orbit through an innovative conversion process applied to liquid water.

More specifically, the areas under the direct responsibility of TU Delft will be: the development and testing of a small solar thermal thruster (1 N class) for the reaction control part of the system; the development and testing of an innovative concept of tank for the storage of low-density gaseous propellants; the definition of concrete mission scenarios in which the bimodal system could be used, and their relevant requirements.

Two PhD positions are available at TU Delft to work on this project under the supervision of Dr. Angelo Cervone, with mandatory (non-negotiable) start date in October 2024.

The first PhD will be mainly in charge of systems engineering activities, including definition and analysis of concrete mission scenarios and derivation of the afferent propulsion system requirements.
The second PhD will be in charge of the design, manufacturing and testing of the thruster and the innovative tank concept.
The two PhD will collaborate with each other in defining the test plan and in processing and discussing the test results.
Some level of collaboration is also expected with the researchers in charge at the other institutions involved in the project, especially those working on the main orbital control propulsion and on the water conversion system.
As PhD candidate in the Space Propulsion Department of TU Delft, you will be part of an extremely international, diverse and inclusive team and you will have access to state-of-the-art research and education facilities. You will have the opportunity to receive support for your PhD research from MSc students, through their final thesis and projects or practicals in the framework of specific courses.