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Research Group

Astronautics Group

James Web telescope in space with earth on the bottom right.

Our group covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research in space physics and spacecraft engineering.

Part of Engineering

About

Our members are active in both theoretical modelling and physical experimentation and are supported by a wide range of computational and experimental facilities.

Particular areas of expertise include:

  • space environment
  • remote sensing
  • spacecraft structures
  • space systems engineering
  • artificial intelligence, spacecraft autonomy and control


We have industry partnerships with:

And we have been sponsored by the:

We have also been a leading centre for the training of professional engineers in the worldwide space sector and associated industries since 1974.

Research highlights

Enhancing astronaut health and helping physiotherapists consult during COVID

Health researchers share their insights to support both astronauts in space and people on Earth.

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Alexander Wittig

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Astrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics
  • Mission Design and Analysis
  • Numerical Methods including Differential Algebra and High Order Automatic Differentiation

Email: a.wittig@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Dr Charlie Ryan

Associate Professor

Email: c.n.ryan@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Dr Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Hanna's research interests involve the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in-situ study of planets. With a focus on instrument and new technology development, she is currently leading a number of projects, including the development of a miniature wideband radiometer for the in-situ study of planetary atmospheres and also the miniaturization of a Raman Spectrometer for Jupiter’s moon Europa. Previously, she has worked on miniaturizing a variety of sensors for planetary exploration, including a wind sensor for Mars, a MEMS microseismometer and micromachined bolometer detector arrays for a thermal mapping spectrometer for a lunar mission. In particular, she was involved in designing, fabricating, delivering and operating two microscopes on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander 2007.
  • Hanna's research interests involve the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in-situ study of planets. With a focus on instrument and new technology development, she is currently leading a number of projects, including the development of a miniature wideband radiometer for the in-situ study of planetary atmospheres and also the miniaturization of a Raman Spectrometer for Jupiter’s moon Europa. Previously, she has worked on miniaturizing a variety of sensors for planetary exploration, including a wind sensor for Mars, a MEMS microseismometer and micromachined bolometer detector arrays for a thermal mapping spectrometer for a lunar mission. In particular, she was involved in designing, fabricating, delivering and operating two microscopes on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander 2007.
  • miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in

Email: h.m.sykulska-lawrence@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Professor Hugh Lewis

Professor of Astronautics

Research interests

  • Space debris
  • Space sustainability
  • Safety of spaceflight

Email: h.g.lewis@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Dr Minkwan Kim

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: m.k.kim@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Dr Nazli Turan

Research Fellow

Dr Nina Vaidya

Lecturer in Astronautics & S/craft Eng

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: n.vaidya@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Professor Scott Walker

Professor

Email: sjiw@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

Dr Xin Tang PhD

Research Fellow

Email: x.tang@soton.ac.uk

Address: Boldrewood Campus, Burgess Road, SO16 7QF

My research falls into 3 main areas: space debris, near-Earth objects and remote sensing.
Professor of Astronautics
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