Electrothermal Thrusters for a High Efficiency Upper-Stage for Enhanced Launch Vehicles - Rocketry Research, Teaching and Training (R2T2)

The programme is fully funded, and a budget of approximately £50k will be available to support practical experiments according to the needs of the specific project. 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/cryo safety and many more. Parts of this training programme will be delivered at Westcott.

This specific project, at the University of Surrey and supported by the company URA Thrusters Ltd, focuses on the development of electrothermal thrusters to be used in a high-efficiency solar-electric upper-stage for launch vehicles for enhancing the range of reachable orbits. The project comprises plasma physics and engineering modelling, design, prototyping and testing of the thrusters under investigation.

Open to any UK or international candidates. Up to 30% of our UKRI funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees. Find out more about eligibility.

This project is suitable for a student with a first-class degree in engineering, physics or a closely related physical science.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Space Engineering PhD programme.