PhD candidate for Deployment and Control of a Distributed Telescope as a Formation of Nanosatellites | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | University of Luxembourg

Position:	PhD candidate for Deployment and Control of a Distributed Telescope as a Formation of Nanosatellites
Institution:	University of Luxembourg
Location:	Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Duties:	This PhD project aims at the development of an improved distributed control of such formations of small satellites, also using a combination of solar and aerodynamic forces for propellant-less control. This will be ideal to deploy, maintain and reconfigure cost-efficiently a large formation of small satellites but requires the detailed modelling of the satellite dynamics, including the effects of aerodynamic forces (caused by the residual atmosphere in LEO) and the solar radiation pressure. After an analysis of optimal formation geometries for Earth observation, suitable orbital guidance and attitude control approaches will be developed and tested, using advanced simulation tools as well as formation flight experiments on a smaller scale with drones. These flight tests will also provide a better understanding of the level of control needed to achieve satisfactory beamforming
Requirements:	The candidate should possess an MSc degree or equivalent in Control/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering, or related fields in Engineering or Computer Engineering. Solid experience/knowledge in the following areas: Mathematical and Control Engineering, especially related to spacecraft guidance; navigation and control; Modeling and simulation of spacecraft dynamics; Spacecraft formations/swarms; Control of drones and flight experiments as well as knowledge in GNSS would be an asset

Text:	PhD candidate for Deployment and Control of a Distributed Telescope as a Formation of Nanosatellites This PhD project aims at the development of an improved distributed control of such formations of small satellites, also using a combination of solar and aerodynamic forces for propellant-less control. This will be ideal to deploy, maintain and reconfigure cost-efficiently a large formation of small satellites but requires the detailed modelling of the satellite dynamics, including the effects of aerodynamic forces (caused by the residual atmosphere in LEO) and the solar radiation pressure. After an analysis of optimal formation geometries for Earth observation, suitable orbital guidance and attitude control approaches will be developed and tested, using advanced simulation tools as well as formation flight experiments on a smaller scale with drones. These flight tests will also provide a better understanding of the level of control needed to achieve satisfactory beamforming The candidate should possess an MSc degree or equivalent in Control/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering, or related fields in Engineering or Computer Engineering. Solid experience/knowledge in the following areas: Mathematical and Control Engineering, especially related to spacecraft guidance; navigation and control; Modeling and simulation of spacecraft dynamics; Spacecraft formations/swarms; Control of drones and flight experiments as well as knowledge in GNSS would be an asset