Space weathering of satellite components

About the Project

Start date: October 2026

Aim:

This project aims to evaluate the damage induced by long duration space weathering processes, such as solar wind irradiation, of materials commonly used for space craft structural and instrumental components. Results will be used to evaluate the risk of failure of permanent space-based infrastructure and develop alternative radiation hardened materials if required.

Background:

Humanity aims to put human beings back on the Moon in a permanent settlement. Additionally, space companies (e.g. SpaceX) are moving towards using Steel and Aluminium Alloys for their space-based infrastructure beyond the relative shelter of near-Earth orbit. Beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere space is a harsh radiation rich environment and objects are bombarded by hydrogen ions and UV radiation from the Sun’s solar wind as well as galactic cosmic rays and micrometeorite impacts. These processes, collectively known as space weathering, are known to damage electrical devices. Structural materials such as steel are susceptible to weakening from hydrogen embrittlement which can lead to failure which could be catastrophic in the space environment. These present a serious risk to astronauts living in space. However, the damage produced in these materials is only visible at the nano-atomic scale.

Approach:

In this project the student will apply cutting edge correlative microscopy techniques including the brand-new EPSRC funded Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe (SNAP) laboratory to modern steels (304L [used on SpaceX starship] and 316L) and aluminium (6061-T6 flown on NASA’s GENESIS mission) alloys currently used for satellite and rocketry components. We will artificially irradiate these materials at the University of Strathclyde irradiation facility to simulate H ion bombardment by the Sun’s solar wind. We will then evaluate the damage layer produced by space weathering using atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy, correlating microstructural changes with any variations in material properties such as hardness and tensile strength. We will also use cryo-focussed ion beam sample fabrication methods, and a vacuum-cryo-transfer module (VCTM) system to visualise the atomic distribution of hydrogen and evaluate the penetration depth solar wind hydrogen ions using atom probe tomography.

This project will, provide vital data to benchmark current material resilience in the space environment and facilitate the development of novel space hardened materials that can survive long duration exposure in space without compromising safety.

Training and development:

The successful student will join a vibrant multidisciplinary space science research cluster that spans physics, astronomy, planetary science and satellite engineering.

Hands on training will be provided in the operation of the analytical techniques required by the University of Glasgow and by industrial partner CAMECA during a 1 week visit to their Madison facility. Training and use of other techniques will be provided as required by the project.

The student will get the opportunity to present results to the wider scientific community at national and international conferences. Results will be presented within a thesis and could also be prepared for peer-reviewed publications.

How to apply:

Applications should include a 2-page CV and 1-page cover letter (pdf format required for both), explaining why you are interested in this research project. Applications not submitted in this format will be rejected. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on the 15th May 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

We expect to hold interviews the second week of June 2026.

Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/geology/

Funding Notes

The project is a co-funded EPSRC PhD studentship collaboration between the University of Glasgow and CAMECA. The studentship is available via a competitive process. The successful candidate will receive full funding, for tuition and stipend at UKRI standard levels. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the funding available international students are not eligible.