Development of a high-power nuclear electric propulsion system for rapid space transportation

About the project

Enable the next generation of deep-space exploration. This project will develop an electrodeless, dual-stage thruster operating at power levels above 1 MW for high-power Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). By eliminating electrode erosion through electromagnetic plasma generation and acceleration, the project aims to deliver a long-life, high-efficiency propulsion system capable of supporting faster and more sustainable crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

Transit time remains a fundamental constraint on human interplanetary exploration. Conventional chemical and electric propulsion systems face limitations in simultaneously providing the high specific impulse, thrust density and sustained power required to reduce crew exposure to the deep-space radiation environment. This project addresses this challenge by developing a high-power, electrodeless propulsion architecture designed for integration with future nuclear power systems.

Conventional electric propulsion systems that rely on physical electrodes are subject to electrode erosion and associated lifetime and contamination constraints, particularly at high power. The proposed system adopts a dual-stage electromagnetic architecture in which plasma is generated by electromagnetic induction and subsequently accelerated using a magnetic nozzle or magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel. Eliminating plasma-contacting electrodes removes a key source of component degradation and enables the development of propulsion systems with improved lifetime and scalability towards the high power levels required for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP).

The project will develop and validate a computational framework for high-power electrodeless plasma generation and acceleration, supported by a scaled experimental prototype. The research will characterise plasma generation, electromagnetic energy coupling and MHD acceleration to establish the operating conditions required for a stable, contamination-free exhaust and high-performance propulsion. These results will provide an experimentally validated basis for assessing the scalability of the architecture towards power levels exceeding 1 MW.

You will be based at the University of Southampton and will have access to high-vacuum facilities and advanced laser-based plasma diagnostics, together with specialist expertise in high-voltage engineering, plasma physics and MHD modelling. Engagement with established UK space-sector partners will provide additional industrial and systems-engineering experience.

The project will advance the foundations of high-power propulsion for sustainable, high-speed in-space transportation while developing expertise relevant to future civil space exploration and national space capabilities.

Potential supervisors

• Potential supervisors: Lead supervisor Professor Minkwan Kim Professor Supervisors Professor Matthew Middleton Professor

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: Professor Minkwan Kim Professor

Professor Minkwan Kim

• Professor Minkwan Kim: Professor

Supervisors

• Supervisors: Professor Matthew Middleton Professor

Professor Matthew Middleton

• Professor Matthew Middleton: Professor

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent in one of the following:

Essential:

Desirable:

• physics
• aerospace engineering
• or a related field
• strong fundamental knowledge of plasma physics and electromagnetic theory
• proficiency in computational modelling (Python, MATLAB, or C++)
• excellent communication skills for multidisciplinary collaboration
• experience with Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) or CFD software (e.g., OpenFOAM)
• hands-on experience with vacuum systems or RF/Microwave hardware
• a basic understanding of nuclear power cycles or space mission architecture

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30,000 per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

We are pleased to announce that for 2027/28 entry, specific Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) at the University of Southampton have been selected to be part of a pilot programme of funding for UK doctoral candidates launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Now managed by the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the funding is delivered through a strand of government’s new TechFirst skills programme. TechFirst will fund nationally, a stipend uplift for at least 500 domestic (UK only) doctoral students in priority technology areas over the next four years, strengthening the UK’s innovation pipeline and building a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for "complex integrated systems"
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Professor Minkwan Kim (m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk).

Research areas