Studying the impacts of rocket upper stage and satellite re-entry using laboratory experiments and chemistry-climate modelling

Problem Definition: The potential impacts of aluminum containing particles, produced from ablation/demise during re-entry, remain speculation until certain critical laboratory measurements are performed and the resulting physico-chemistry data input into a global chemistry-climate model.
Research Objectives:

Measure the processing of HCl on aluminum-containing particles
Measure the ability of these particles to freeze H2SO4/HNO3/H2O droplets and produce polar stratospheric clouds
Model the impacts of Al-containing particles on stratospheric ozone by activating the HCl reservoir and changing the frequency of PSC formation
Simulate with a chemistry-climate model (WACCM) and analyse the global impacts of the rocket/satellite industry on atmospheric composition, dynamics, and climate

Expected Results:

Uptake coefficients of HCl on alumina particles as a function of temperature, and analysis of whether the uptake is reactive and photochemically active
Measured freezing points of acid/H2O droplets incorporating Al-containing particles, as a function of H2SO4:HNO3:H2O
Assessment of the resulting changes in stratospheric ozone from the injection of Al from space debris

Secondments:

Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI, Villingen, Switzerland, ca. 4 months): surface analysis of HCl uptake on alumina particles, using XPS at SLS, focusing on the degree of dissociation of HCl as a function of water vapor partial pressure
Institute Pierre-Simon Laplace (CNRS/IPSL, Guyancourt, France, ca. 3 months): parameterization of the near-field processing

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.



Please find additional information in the Information package for Marie Curie fellows in doctoral networks (https://op.europa.eu/s/z831).