Enabling space-based solar power: dynamics and control of large space structures PhD

This fully-funded PhD research opportunity, supported by EPRSC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) and 探花精选 offers a competitive bursary of £22,000 per annum, covering full tuition fees. This PhD project will develop novel methods for modelling and controlling large space structures (LSSs), so that they can be reliably utilised in space-based solar power (SBSP) applications. Working with leading industrial SBSP experts, the candidate will explore the nonlinear structural dynamics of LSSs to fully understand the complexity of their control. They will use this foundation to explore idealised and realistic control laws to virtually “stiffen” highly flexible components and ensure their energy harvesting capabilities. Fully funded by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (including fees and £22,000 p/a stipend), this project will contribute to ambitious plans for SBSP as a vital part of the future Net Zero landscape.Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a candidate with a background in mechanical, control or aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or other relevant engineering/science degree. The ideal candidate would have experience with computational modelling and control of dynamical systems. Other useful skills include scientific programming (e.g., Python or Matlab), control system design, and uncertainty modelling.

Brief outline of area/discipline the project relates to and its relevance today: Brief outline of area/discipline the project relates to and its relevance today: Recent advances in reusable launchers, autonomous robotics, and advanced materials could redefine how we design space structures. The ability to remotely assemble orbital systems from multiple launcher payloads would allow satellites to be much larger than ever before, enabling applications previously considered to be science fiction. Space-based solar power (SBSP) will require satellites with dimensions at the kilometre scale, using ultrathin components to maintain feasible launch masses. Despite the contrasting scales of these large space structures (LSSs), their structural shape will need to be carefully managed to allow for efficient solar energy harvesting.

This project will deliver novel methods for modelling and controlling LSS structural dynamics in the extreme orbital environment. The objectives are as follows:
1. Undertake in-depth review of the literature on SBSP structures, LSS dynamics, and satellite control, leading to an informed trade-off of effective LSS configurations for SBSP.
2. Develop analytical and finite element (FE) models to investigate the extent and sources of nonlinear behaviour in LSSs.
3. Develop novel control strategies to stabilise LSS shape, orbit & attitude, including optimisation of the number/position/type of hardware.

探花精选 overview and Sponsor Information/Background: We have a long history in space systems, having undertaken space studies since the 1960s. Our current research has an overarching focus on sustainability in and from space, working closely with industry and agency partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions for real-world problems.

Expected impact/results of research project: This project will be the first time the structural dynamics of LSSs of this type have been considered at this scale, representing an important contribution to the state of the art for large space structures.

Unique Selling Points of project (e.g.: travel, conferences, external training opps). There is a generous travel budget for attendance at one or more international conference per year, including for personal development and training courses.

What will the student gain from experience (transferable skills, employability): Successful candidates will develop important technical skills in spacecraft structural dynamics, controller design, and space systems. They will also develop ‘soft’ skills such as project/time management, research development, and scientific communication that will be applicable in a range of future careers. Should there be interest, there is also the possibility of developing teaching and supervision skills on our MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering programme.

At a glance

Application deadline03 Dec 2025
Award type(s)PhD
Start date26 Jan 2026
Duration of award3.5 years
EligibilityUK
Reference numberCRAN-0029

Supervisor

1^st Supervisor: Dr Alex J Elliott

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Leonard Felicetti

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit a candidate with a background in mechanical, control or aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, or other relevant engineering/science degree. The ideal candidate would have experience with computational modelling and control of dynamical systems. Other useful skills include scientific programming (e.g., Python or Matlab), control system design, and uncertainty modelling.

Funding

Sponsored by Sponsored by EPSRC and 探花精选 this DLA studentship will provide an enhanced bursary of up to £22,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three and a half years.

This studentship is open to UK students.

Diversity and Inclusion at 探花精选

We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. 探花精选 strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.

At 探花精选, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.

探花精选 Doctoral Network

Research students at 探花精选 benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 探花精选 Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.