[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] MoRe Spacecraft Framework: Towards Modular and Reusable Space System Design

About the project

About the Project MoRe Spacecraft Framework: Towards Modular and Reusable Space System Design Supervisors: Dr Manu H. Nair and Dr Nicholas Crisp Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The University of Manchester Duration: 3.5 years The rapid growth of orbital constellations, in-orbit servicing, assembly, manufacturing, and increasingly complex space infrastructure is changing how future spacecraft need to be designed. Most spacecraft today are developed as highly bespoke systems with limited interchangeability between components and subsystems. When critical hardware fails or reaches the end of its operational life, opportunities for repair, upgrade, or replacement are often limited, meaning that an entire spacecraft may ultimately need to be retired or disposed of even when only individual elements have degraded. This PhD will investigate a different approach: spacecraft designed from the outset for modularity, interoperability, replacement, reuse, and life extension. The project will develop the MoRe Spacecraft Framework, a modular and reusable spacecraft design methodology spanning mechanical, structural, thermal, electrical, payload, and software domains. The research will explore how spacecraft architectures can be designed around standardised and interoperable interfaces, allowing components and subsystems to be replaced, upgraded, reconfigured, or potentially reused across different missions. The research will combine space systems engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, MATLAB/Simulink modelling, multi-criteria assessment, and design engineering. The successful candidate will develop methods for representing subsystem interfaces and dependencies, establish quantitative figures of merit for modularity, interoperability, maintainability, reusability, sustainability, and lifecycle performance, and create a digital engineering toolkit for analysing and validating modular spacecraft architectures. Representative mission scenarios will be used to evaluate the framework, including applications such as in-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), Active Debris Removal (ADR), spacecraft upgrading, and mission life extension. Conventional and modular spacecraft architectures will be compared to understand the technical and lifecycle implications of adopting modular design principles. Expected outputs include a validated modular spacecraft design framework, MBSE reference models and interface definitions, quantitative metrics for modularity and reusability, and supporting digital engineering tools. The project will also include design engineering case studies in which the developed framework, its findings, and guidelines will be applied to the development of representative modular spacecraft concepts, demonstrating their potential to support future spacecraft design, implementation, and standardisation. The successful candidate will join the University of Manchester’s collaborative space research community, working under the supervision of Dr Manu H. Nair and Dr Nicholas Crisp within the Space Systems Research Group and contributing to research aimed at shaping the future of sustainable and serviceable space operations. The student will receive training in spacecraft systems engineering, MBSE, SysMLv2, MATLAB/Simulink, optimisation, requirements engineering, digital engineering, sustainability assessment, and research methods, alongside opportunities for engagement with academic and industrial partners. The standard academic entry requirement is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD, or an upper second-class honours degree together with a Master’s degree at Merit level in a directly relevant discipline. Candidates with industry co-funding are also eligible to apply for this position This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here. . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering/ Systems Engineering/ Mechatronic Engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering/ Systems Engineering/ Mechatronic Engineering. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

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