PhD in Instrumentation for Space Situational Awareness

About the Project

We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable individual to join our team as a PhD researcher in developing instrumentation and simulations to monitor and track satellites. The successful candidate will help characterise and develop optical techniques for satellite tracking, satellite identification and orbit determination. They will work with their supervisors and colleagues to further our understanding of the current state of our space environment.

As of May 2025, ESA's Space Debris Office has estimated that 1.2 million space debris objects, each between 1 mm and 1 cm, litter our orbital environment. Even smaller pieces pose the potential to damage and further fragment active satellites and larger space debris, endangering current satellite operations and accelerating the proliferation of space debris (Kessler's Syndrome). To manage this, global sensor networks monitor our space environment in both optical and radio regimes. This research project will contribute to advancing space situational awareness capabilities.

The PhD will involve both simulation and experimental work. This includes designing and testing optical instrumentation and conducting observation campaigns to image and track satellites, with the potential for travel to test instrumentation in ideal locations. Additionally, the simulation work will focus on developing computational models to validate instrumentation and optimising orbital parameter extraction using image processing techniques.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in physics, engineering or a related field, as well as experience working with programming languages such as Python for data analysis and simulations. Experience with optical systems, astronomical observations, or satellite tracking would be advantageous, although not compulsory. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Our group is committed to fostering an inclusive research environment, and we actively encourage applications from students of all backgrounds.

Project supervisors

Dr Lily Beesley

Dr Lily Beesley obtained her PhD from the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation at the University of Durham... [abridged for brevity, but include key research interests]

Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel

Dr Leah-Nani Alconcel is an associate professor... [abridged]