Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework for quantification of environmental im-pacts rocket launches and re-entry

Problem Definition:
Current LCA methods are not tailored to space activities and exhibit major methodological gaps in modelling the environmental impacts of rocket and satellite launch or re-entry emissions. Time- and location-dependent Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methods are either missing or incomplete, and a holistic framework for transparent and reproducible LCA studies in the space sector is lacking.

Research Objectives:
Develop a novel scientific LCA framework to quantify environmental impacts and trade-offs of rocket launches, artificial re-entries, and the broader space sector This includes uncertainty assessment and robustness rating, system design optimisation, prospective and dynamic LCA for future human activities related to space
Contributions to space-tailored LCIA method development or extension in close collaboration with aerospace engineers, atmospheric and climate scientists working on atmospheric emissions related to launch and re-entry activities, as well as dynamic/prospective LCA
Quantification and optimization of life-cycle related environmental impacts in the atmosphere, based on the findings of other DCs and the novel methodology

Expected Results:
Newly developed, python-based space LCA methodological framework, allowing setting up robust, realistic and reproducible models of environmental impacts related to rocket launches and re-entries of launchers or satellites and the whole space sector
Trade-offs between system design choices and optimised environmental performance
LCIA methods tailored to the space sector, including new and/or updated impact categories
Open-source notebooks and software framework supporting full LCA studies in the space sector

Secondments:
Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium in Davos (PMOD, Davos, Switzerland, ca. 3 months): exchange on metric how to measure environmental impacts from launch and re-entry related atmospheric particle emissions with the goal to develop a new LCIA method or extend existing methods
Deimos Engineering and Systems SLU (DES, Puertollano, Spain, ca. 3 months): In-depth knowledge of launcher configurations, architectures and systems design with a view on ecodesign

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).