Prof N Aouf
Applications accepted all year round
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Full Studentship including Industrial Placement
Duration: 3 years
With our esteemed industrial partners, we are looking for a well-qualified and motivated PhD student to conduct the following fascinating research project:
Cranfield University, Thales Alenia Space, and European Space Agency have defined a program of research entitled "Multispectral/Hyperspectral modalities (Visible/Infrared) imaging based relative navigation for Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM)". The PhD has the ambition to tackle the fundamental problem of providing a reliable and efficient multispectral/hyperspectral monocular based solution for navigation and guidance, independent of lighting conditions, for non-cooperative rendezvous missions such as AIM and other future RDV vehicles.
1- Proposing efficient image processing algorithms to robustly identify and detect approaching rendezvous targets on the different visible/infrared/hyperspectral modalities in a common manner if possible.
2- Proposing efficient decision fusion solutions for multispectral modality associated detection.
3- Proposing robust algorithms for pose estimation and relative navigation based on mono-modalities and fused multiple modalities outcomes.
What is proposed above should in return improve the performance and increase the safety of the space rendezvous operations for AIM and other missions alike.
This research work has the ambition to tackle issues in terms of accurate vision navigation for tasks involving pose and relative motion navigation by proposing innovative integrated methodologies able to be validated with space computation hardware. The solution to be designed will include mainly a setup of different modalities, visual and infrared bands and hyperspectral including a larger spectrum.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be UK nationals or EU students. Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor Degree of either First Class or hold a Masters Degree (MSc/MRes) in Electrical/Aerospace/Computer Science or any other relevant discipline of Engineering.
Candidates should have a good basis in mathematics with good scientific programming skills (Matlab, C/C++). Experience in image processing/vision, navigation and robotics systems is an asset. Good interpersonal and communication (oral and written in English) skills are also required.
Applicants are eligible for a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for the duration of the award dependent upon qualifications and experience. This studentship will additionally cover the tuition fees for qualified UK/EU students.
How to apply
A CV and the name and address of two referees should be sent to Dr. Aouf at [Email Address Removed].
Funding Notes
Applicants are eligible for a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for the duration of the award dependent upon qualifications and experience. This studentship will additionally cover the tuition fees for qualified UK/EU students.