About the Project
Design a satellite platform that generates sustained partial gravity — bridging the gap for Lunar and Martian science.
- HOST UNIVERSITY: University of Auckland
- INDUSTRY PARTNER: Frond Space Systems Limited
- PLACEMENT: Auckland & Wellington | New Zealand
Help build a new platform for partial-gravity science
Sustained human presence beyond Earth demands a fundamental understanding of how biological systems and physical processes respond to partial gravity. Ground laboratories operate at 1g, while satellites and the ISS provide micro-gravity — leaving the Lunar, Martian and outer Solar System moon regimes largely unexplored and underserved for long-term experimental platforms. The REEF project addresses this gap through a two-tiered programme: a terrestrial partial-gravity simulator for early payload development, paired with a dedicated satellite platform for long-duration studies.
What you will work on
- Payload optimisation: Develop a payload enclosure suitable for both ground experimental optimisation and orbital deployment.
- Satellite platform design: Lead the design of a satellite platform capable of generating sustained partial gravity, developing the analytical and computational framework needed to optimise its configuration.
- Prototyping & bench testing: Build and test prototypes of key system elements, validating design decisions against experimental requirements for biological and physicochemical investigations.
- Control systems & integration: Develop and optimise control software, applying mechanical and mechatronic skills to ensure the platform integrates cleanly with the shared experimental payload.
Who should consider applying?
We welcome candidates from a mechanical, mechatronic or aerospace engineering background with an interest in control systems, dynamics and experimental applied platform design.
Due to the nature of the work, only citizens from the following list of countries will be considered:
- New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Japan, South Korea, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey.
Application date must consider ability to obtain suitable visa by March 2027.
Applied Doctorates Scheme
Be part of a cohort of 22 PhD students across NZ focussed on Aerospace, Defence & Security. In addition to your technical research, you will learn advanced business and entrepreneurial skills, connect with industry leaders, and be prepared to tackle real-world challenges transforming research into meaningful change in science, technology, and innovation.
- Full tuition fees covered for 3 years; Annual stipend (NZD$36,212) for 3 years, with a 2% per year increase
Supervision
- Academic:
- Prof. Anthony Phillips, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland
- Dr Morgan Cable, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington
- Industry:
- Dr. Ben Taylor, CEO, Frond Space Systems Limited
Application closing date: 10th October 2026
HOW TO APPLY
First read the Applied Doctorates Scheme Application Guidance (https://tinyurl.com/NZ-ADS-GN), including the note for University of Auckland applicants. Apply for doctoral admission through the University of Auckland portal. Once you receive your University ID and application number, complete the application form on the Applied Doctorates Scheme website.
Project ID: 2.20
Questions? a.phillips@auckland.ac.nz | ben@frond.space
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