Development of a miniaturised plug-and-play in-situ plasma measurement instrument for small satellites

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr. Taiwo Raphael Tejumola and Prof. Andrea Cammarano

This project aims to design and develop “PlasmaCube,” a real-time plasma measurement payload for CubeSats using Langmuir probe principles. It offers hands-on experience in space systems engineering, electronics, and data systems.

Small satellites, especially CubeSats, are transforming space missions, from Earth observation to deep space exploration. However, over half of CubeSat missions fail, often due to system malfunctions caused by the harsh and unpredictable space environment. Understanding and mitigating these failures is critical to improving mission success.

This project addresses the challenge by developing PlasmaCube, a real-time in-situ plasma measurement payload based on the Langmuir probe principle. The system will include optimally designed electrodes, nano-level current measurement electronics, a control system, and a robust data collection unit. The goal is to create a standardized, plug-and-play diagnostic payload for CubeSats and other small satellite platforms.

You will join the Astronautics Research Group at the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, working at the intersection of plasma physics, space systems engineering, and electronics design. This project offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on CubeSat development experience, and opportunities to collaborate with leading universities in the UK, Europe, USA, and Japan for in-orbit testing and validation.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to international space missions and global space environment datasets, while gaining advanced training in space instrumentation and satellite technology.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

If you have a general question, email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

Project leader

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact taiwo.tejumola@soton.ac.uk.