About the Project
The amount of debris orbiting Earth is increasing, creating a growing risk to operational spacecraft and the long-term sustainability of the space environment. Large uncontrolled objects are particularly challenging because they can be difficult to approach and capture safely. Active debris removal therefore requires new technologies that allow spacecraft to autonomously rendezvous with and capture existing debris.
One promising approach is the use of large deployable nets. A net can surround and capture an object without requiring a precise attachment point, making it particularly attractive for removing large or uncooperative debris. However, controlling a net in space is a highly challenging robotics problem. The spacecraft must coordinate its motion while accounting for orbital dynamics, the flexible and highly coupled behaviour of the net, and the motion of the target.
This project will investigate new computational methods for simulating and controlling active debris-removal systems based on net capture. The first objective will be to develop efficient numerical methods for simulating the orbital and spacecraft dynamics involved in debris-capture manoeuvres. Fast simulation is particularly important because thousands or millions of simulations may be required to optimise a trajectory or evaluate the robustness of a control strategy.
The project will then investigate how sensitivities of the system dynamics can be calculated and used to obtain gradients for optimisation. These gradients will enable the study of gradient-based approaches to trajectory planning and control, with objectives such as reducing fuel consumption and control effort, improving capture performance, and increasing robustness to uncertainty in the target state and system parameters.
The research will progress from simplified models of the target debris and the capturing system to increasingly complex and realistic debris-capture scenarios. The student will develop simulation models, assess their numerical accuracy and computational performance, and investigate optimisation strategies across a range of initial conditions and mission scenarios. Depending on progress, the work may also explore more complex net dynamics and extend the work to machine learning-based control strategies.
This is an interdisciplinary project combining space robotics, orbital mechanics, dynamical systems, numerical simulation, control, and optimisation. It would suit a student interested in developing computational methods for challenging real-world problems in space exploration and autonomous robotics.
The student will receive training in spacecraft dynamics and control, numerical modelling, scientific programming, sensitivity analysis, and optimisation, while developing research software and contributing to the investigation of new approaches for autonomous active debris removal.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to Aerospace Engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to Aerospace Engineering. Previous research experience in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Maths or Physics is desirable.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.