PhD in Space Engineering

Fully funded PhD studentship in collaboration with Surrey NanoSystems Ltd./nStart date: 1 October 2026/nDuration: 3.5 years/nFunding source: EPSRC and Surrey NanoSystems Ltd/nProject focus: reducing satellite brightness using advanced ultra-black coatings, including Vantablack® 310. The student will contribute to the UK’s first in-orbit test of this coating and will combine laboratory optical characterisation of advanced materials, orbital modelling of satellite brightness, ground-based photometric monitoring of satellites, and development of predictive tools for sustainable satellite design./nThe project is embedded within the Surrey Space Institute and offers academic supervision alongside industrial mentorship and access to state-of-the-art facilities.