About the project
This PhD project aims to develop techniques and software that can quickly identify low-cost spacecraft trajectories between Earth and the Moon, and also between the Moon and outer space, taking into account mission budgets, specific requirements, and post-failure conditions.
The establishment of space stations and logistics hubs in cislunar space could serve as waypoints for spacecraft, reducing the cost and complexity of missions to the Moon, asteroids, Mars, and beyond. The Lunar Gateway is a planned space station in the near-rectilinear halo orbit or distant retrograde orbit near the Moon, developed by NASA and international partners. It will support a range of missions, including crewed lunar landings and scientific research. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also planning to set up a communication and navigation network in the lunar region.
Given these strategic initiatives, it is essential to investigate and develop technologies that enhance exploration, transportation, and resource retrieval in cislunar space.
You will use analytical Astrodynamics techniques to gain insights into dynamics controlled by the Sun, Earth, and Moon’s gravitational forces, allowing you to reduce dimensions and visualize low-energy pathways. You will combine these techniques with numerical and empirical machine learning techniques that balance modelling accuracy and processing speed.
This project provides a unique opportunity to make significant contributions to the emerging cislunar economy and near-future planetary exploration efforts by enabling the transportation crucial for sustainable and cost-effective space missions.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
To learn about funding opportunities visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- choose ‘PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)’ on the next page
- insert the name of the supervisor Dr Hongru Chen in section 2 of the application form
Applications should include:
- research proposal
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 reference letters
- degree transcripts/certificates to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Hongru Chen (hongru.chen@soton.ac.uk), Astronautics Research Group.
