Missionisation of re-entry and recovery architectures for upper stages

Problem Definition:
Key challenges to full launcher sustainability are the capability to achieve full reusability throughout the design of a reusable upper stage, and the environmental impact integration into the definition of the launch system and the end-2-end launch mission.

Research Objectives:
Definition of a suite of low-fidelity models to estimate emissions
Definition of the mission engineering solutions for different concepts of operation (CONOPS) aiming at the minimisation of the emissions while achieving the reference mission objectives
Preliminary quantification of emissions, trade-off of the CONOPS identified and derivation of the most promising solution for given payload classes
Development of a re-entry and recovery architecture missionisation strategy, process and tool for use in future reusable launchers

Expected Results:
A validated suite of low-fidelity models for emissions estimation in the context of atmospheric re-entry
Definition of a mission engineering methodology and process that integrates an ecodesign approach into the design of atmospheric re-entry for reusable upper stages with respect to specific payload classes
A re-entry and recovery architecture missionisation tool that supports the design of sustainable launchers
The application and validation of the process and tools on representative study case scenario(s), performed making use of different high-fidelity models in successive steps

Secondments:
Politecnico di Torino (POLITO, Torino, Italy, ca. 5 months): definition of low-fidelity models
Office national d\'études et de recherches aérospatiales (ONERA, Palaiseau, France, ca. 4 months): multi-disciplinary optimisation

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).