Cranfield University

Cranfield University is responsible for Engineering Track 4 in Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures. The research is focused within the Centre for Autonomous and Cyber-Physical Systems, in which the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering is based. The Centre undertakes research and consultancy on autonomous system design and space systems, calculation of payloads and operations for systems and sub-systems including airframes, avionics and guidance, control and navigation, vibro-acoustics and signal processing. The Centre’s academics have experience in developing algorithms for sensor fusion, data analytics, information management, control, guidance and estimation, for space and aerospace applications. Within space dynamics, there is current research exploring potential opportunities for fast, low-energy multiple asteroid fly-by trajectories. This has developed from previous work supporting the UK-led CASTAway asteroid spectroscopic survey mission proposal. Structures-related space research currently includes acoustic sensing for monitoring of spacecraft operations, spacecraft docking dynamics, and on-orbit manufacture and assembly. Related work into CubeSat landing dynamics on low-gravity bodies is being undertaken via a drop-tower payload under the ESA Drop Your Thesis program. The space group has also developed drag sail payloads for deorbiting Low Earth Orbit satellites at end of life, to prevent proliferation of space debris. Three of these payloads are currently in orbit, with two of them already having been successfully deployed at the end of their respective satellite missions.