Postdoctoral Research Associate in Space Circular Economy - Durham, United Kingdom - Durham University

Description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the research project, "Evaluation of Space Debris and Its Potential Usage for a Circular Space Economy".

The project will focus on developing optimal circular-economy pathway for end-of-life satellites and space debris considering the best-use configuration among various alternative potential usage. Specifically, you will work on material characterisation and value assessment and cost modelling of space-based objects and space debris. This will involve:

1. Determining the aggregate material content of the space-based objects leading to the development of a catalogue of material composition of satellites
2. Developing material degradation models and estimating the material properties based on life and degradation.
3. Developing machine learning models to predict the material content and properties for other satellites for which data is not available.
4. Determining the total value of individual parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies and the material content
5. Developing cost models to estimate the processing costs for different applications- in-orbit servicing, in-space manufacturing, manufacturing for Space and logistics back to earth for use in earth.
6. Determining the value of reusing, recycling, remanufacturing of parts and materials for different applications- in-orbit servicing, in-space manufacturing, manufacturing for Space