Development of advanced intelligent systems for enhancing reliability and mission assurance of small satellites

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr. Taiwo Raphael Tejumola and Dr. Alexander Wittig

This project will address the systems engineering challenge of enhancing mission assurance for small satellites by developing an AI-powered risk assessment framework.

Small satellites are revolutionising space access by enabling fast, low-cost development. However, their risk-tolerant nature often leads to mission failures, especially in early generations. Unlike traditional satellites, small satellite teams are small, with a low level of experience, and their risk assessment practices are rarely shared across institutions or countries, limiting collective learning and improvement.

Using publicly available data from over 2,500 past small satellite missions, you'll apply big data analysis and natural language processing to extract and analyse on-orbit malfunctions. AI tools will overcome language barriers, enabling access to global datasets, including non-English sources. The result will be a comprehensive malfunction database and a risk assessment tool that prioritises risks based on mission type and team experience. It will also propose cost-effective countermeasures, allowing future small satellite developers worldwide to make informed decisions regardless of location or language.

You will join the Astronautics Research Group at the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, working at the intersection of space systems engineering, AI, and data science. The project offers access to cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary training, and potential collaboration with international satellite teams. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of reliable, scalable satellite development and global space mission success.

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.