Development of a miniaturised Plug-and-Play Plasma Instrumentation for Small Satellites – “PLASMACube”

Supervisory Team: Dr. Taiwo Raphael Tejumola

Project description:

Small satellites, particularly CubeSats, play an increasingly vital role in space missions, from Earth observation to deep space exploration, offering diverse stakeholders a broad spectrum of missions and application possibilities. The mission success of these missions is often challenged by the harsh and unpredictable space environment. More than half of the total CubeSats launched fail to achieve their mission objectives and most of the failures are systems malfunction linked to harsh space environment. The ability of CubeSats irrespective of the primary mission objective to measure the characteristics of the space environment they are in will provide important information about space environment interaction that could cause failure and possible mitigations if this can be measured in real-time.

We expect you to develop a 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 that will become a standardized plug-and-play system tailored for CubeSats and other small satellite platforms.

You will join the Astronautics research group that allows you to work with a collaborative group dedicated to addressing interdisciplinary space engineering problems. You will work on a pioneering project at the intersection of plasma physics, optimization, and small satellite technology—access to state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on experience with CubeSat technologies. There is an opportunity to collaborate with several universities developing CubeSats in the UK, Europe, USA, and Japan to test and fly the payloads for in-orbit validation. You have a unique opportunity to contribute to international space missions and global space environment datasets.

We are actively searching for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

• A strong background in aerospace engineering, space science, plasma physics, or a related field.
• Experience and strong interest in satellite systems, electronics, instrumentation design, and space environment studies.
• Programming and data analysis skills are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated capability to research independently and collaboratively
• Passion for advancing space technology and contributing to global space data initiatives.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 22 December 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships Doctoral College University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisorTaiwo Raphael Tejumola

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

Email contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk