This fully-funded PhD research opportunity, supported by EPRSC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) and Cranfield offers a competitive bursary of £24,500 per annum, covering full tuition fees. This PhD project will develop novel methods for modelling and controlling large space structures (LSSs) that might be used in future space missions. LSS applications span from space-based solar power systems to ultra-wide telescopes, including space data centres and vast antenna systems, and require dimensions ranging from hundreds of meters to kilometres. The candidate will explore advanced and modern distributed control strategies to mitigate the couplings between the Attitude and Orbit Control System and the nonlinear flexible structural dynamics of LSSs. Fully funded by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (including fees and £24,500 p/a stipend), this project will contribute to ambitious plans for SBSP as a vital part of the future Net Zero landscape.
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 LSSs 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. Particularly challenging in this case is the mitigation of the coupling effects between the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) and the flexibility of the structure, which would require distributed model predictive or adaptive control strategies applied in synergy with active structural actuators or damping systems. The problem can become even more challenging if we consider moving masses across the structure (e.g. robotic manipulators moving and assembling parts or spacecraft docking to the structure, etc.). The project will explore novel ML- or DL-based techniques, as they may address computational and physical challenges arising from the extended complexity of LSS dynamics. The objectives are as follows:
- Undertake an in-depth review of the literature on LSS applications, LSS dynamics, and satellite control, leading to the definition of mission-specific requirements and informed trade-offs for selecting effective LSS configurations for SBSP and other applications.
- Develop analytical and numerical models to investigate the extent and sources of nonlinear behaviour in LSSs, subjected to space environmental, mission and robotic operations disturbances .
- Develop novel control strategies to stabilise LSS shape, orbit & attitude, including optimisation of the number/position/type of hardware.
Cranfield University have a long history in space systems, having undertaken space studies since the 1960s. Our current research focuses on sustainability in and from space, working closely with industry and agency partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems. Cranfield’s Space Robotics Team leads research on in-orbit robotic assembly, modelling, and control of LSSs, and participates in several ESA-, EU-, and UK Space Agency-funded projects that raise the TRL of in-orbit assembly technology and control techniques applicable to LSSs. The PhD student will be part of the team, collaborating and engaging with dynamic and motivated young researchers working in affine areas of research (e.g. space robotics, guidance, navigation and control of space systems, attitude and orbit control systems) and will contribute to the development of the research activities of the ASTRA-Lab (https://www.linkedin.com/company/astra-lab-cranfield-university/).
The project helps develop control and modelling technology for systems never explored before. The results are expected to make an important contribution to the state of the art in controlling large space structures and will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations.
There is a generous travel budget for attendance at one or more international conferences per year, including for personal development and training courses.
The successful candidate will develop important technical skills in spacecraft structural, orbital and attitude dynamics of space systems. He will become an expert in AOCS design for ultra-flexible space structures and will develop system engineering skills throughout the project. 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 deadline02 Dec 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date25 Jan 2027
- Duration of award3.5 year (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0122
Entry requirements
We are looking for candidates with excellent analytical and engineering skills, obtained through an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering (or equivalent), MSc in Control Engineering (or equivalent) or MSc in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) or Physics. The project will focus on mitigating coupling effects between attitude control and flexible dynamics of LSSs; therefore, pre-existing knowledge of attitude dynamics and control strategies for space systems, structural dynamics (modal analysis, FEM, etc.), astrodynamics and control and estimation is highly appreciated and recommended.
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University this DLA studentship will provide an enhanced bursary of up to £24,500 per annum (tax free) plus fees* for three and a half years.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
Sharing data
UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used to report on individuals or specific universities. The data will be used to analyse general trends in student populations across UKRI's portfolio.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
At Cranfield, 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.
Our Student Wellbeing and Disability support team provide a range of support and coordinate reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental and physical health conditions. Please contact studentsupport@cranfield.ac.uk for support queries, the information you provide will be confidential.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.
Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme
An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Leonard Felicetti
Email: leonard.felicetti@cranfield.ac.uk
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.
