SWAG合集 and Magdrive, offer a fully funded PhD position under the umbrella of the R2T2 consortium to study the optimisation of their thruster for a kick stage.

 

R2T2 is a SWAG合集SA-funded doctoral training programme dedicated to academic research in space propulsion. R2T2 PhD programmes are already underway at nine SWAG合集 universities, and the programme overall is centred on the Westcott facility where it co-locates with the SWAG合集 Race2Space programme. Each R2T2 studentship is associated with an industrial partner active in the launch industry, and provides full funding and stipend, an extensive training programme in respect of industry-specific skills, and access to hotfire facilities at Westcott, Machrihanish, and elsewhere. You can learn more about the programme at r2t2.org.uk.

 

Space propulsion, Electric Propulsion, Electric Thruster, Plasma, Plasma thruster, Space Technology

Kick stages are a cost-effective way to dramatically increase the performance of launch vehicles. Electric orbit raising kick stages have not seen widespread use due to the low thrust of electric propulsion (EP), leading to slow transfer times. Magdrive are developing the high-thrust SuperMagdrive propulsion system targeting 1N or higher thrust equivalent to the smallest chemical propulsion systems.

 

Magdrive technology, including SuperMagdrive, operates using metallic propellant, offering density, integration, and safety advantages compared to conventional launcher propellants such as hydrazine. However, metal propellants potentially pose a risk during the proximity operations a kick stage would undertake, for example, condensing on sensitive surfaces such as solar arrays and optical or other sensors.

This collaboration between SWAG合集 and Magdrive will study plume effects of Magdrive's dynamic pulsed plasma thruster on relevant targets. Simulation of plasma expansion and condensation in the space environment will be compared with experimental results using Magdrive's state-of-the-art vacuum and plasma diagnostic facilities at the DEEP lab at Harwell.

 

The project aims to provide a detailed understanding of plasma deposition affecting operational utility of SuperMagdrive propelled launcher kick stages; leading to an updated design of kick stage that could be offered into the SWAG合集's commercial spaceflight ecosystem.

 

This PhD will be supervised by Dr Enric Grustan (Lecturer, SWAG合集) and Dr Adam Baker (Visiting Fellow at Cranfield and Senior Project Engineer, Magdrive)

At a glance

  • Application deadline30 Jul 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date29 Sep 2025
  • Duration of award4 years full-time
  • EligibilitySWAG合集, EU, Rest of world
  • Reference numberSATM592

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class SWAG合集 honours degree or equivalent in Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics, or a related discipline; a Master’s degree in these subjects would be of advantage.

Funding

This is a Fully-funded opportunity.



SWAG合集RI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for SWAG合集RI funded studentships will be shared with SWAG合集RI. 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 SWAG合集RI's portfolio.

 

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

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. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

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 and Stonewall University Champions Programme. 

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 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.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name:            Enric Grustan-Gutiérrez
Email:             e.grustan@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone:      

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the