Research Associate in Mega-Constellation Space Physics

The rise of satellite mega-constellations in low Earth orbit is unlocking the possibility of ubiquitous global monitoring of our planet. This Research Associate in Mega-Constellation Space Physics will explore the potential of harnessing mega-constellations for monitoring the solar wind – magnetosphere – ionosphere interaction to advance space weather science and operations.

You will undertake original research exploring how satellite mega-constellation could dramatically improve upon current capabilities. You will develop global spatiotemporal fitting and data assimilation methods for mega-constellation magnetic field observations to unveil the dynamic magnetosphere – ionosphere current systems present. These methods will be tested using Imperial’s global magnetospheric simulations to understand the capabilities of current and future satellite constellations for space weather operations and science. Ultimately the methods will be applied to data collected from Eutelsat OneWeb’s Gen1 mega-constellation of over 630 satellites to advance our current scientific and operational capabilities in space weather. Through this work you will not only set new directions for space missions and satellite operators, but also improve our understanding of the dynamics of the solar wind – magnetosphere – ionosphere interaction in general.