Rocketry Research, Teaching, and Training (R2T2) is an integrated doctoral programme, run across eight UK universities, which seeks to provide the opportunity to pursue a PhD in space launch technologies. The programme is fully funded, and a budget of approximately £50k will be available to support practical experiments which may include hot-fire, cold-flow, wind tunnel experiments, or similar, according to the needs of the specific project. Where hot-fire is indicated, technical oversight will be put in place and the use of the MachLab test site at Machrihanish Airbase will be offered, although not required. In addition, a practical and online training scheme will be put in place, designed to offer an introduction to the skills required in the space launch industry. These will likely include project management skills, propellant handling, gas/cryogenic safety, and many more. Parts of this training programme will be delivered at Westcott.

This PhD will be based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, within the Aerospace Centre of Excellence (ACE), and will work alongside HyImpulse UK Ltd. The focus of the research is on the development of advanced GNC algorithms for multi-stage rockets using hybrid propulsion systems with thrust vector control (TVC). Hybrid propulsion, combining liquid oxidisers and solid fuels, offers unique performance benefits however its non-linear thrust characteristics and delayed response compared to traditional propulsion systems pose significant challenges for precise trajectory control and staging transitions. Building on past developments of trajectory optimisation algorithms for aerospace transport systems, this research will develop advanced on-board control strategies to maintain stability during flight and stage separation. Simulations will be evaluated through high-fidelity simulations as well as using test prototypes and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL).

Further information

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr Christie Maddock, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Transportation Systems.