THESE - In-orbit assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) of large antennas -F/H

This PhD thesis focuses on In-orbit assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) of large antennas, crucial for next-generation space capabilities by overcoming launch constraints. The project involves defining and investigating ISAM reflector antenna architecture and assembly, co-developing manufacturing, radio frequency, digital techniques, and Radio Resource Management (RRM) methodologies to optimize complexity, cost, and performance. The research fields include Electrical, RF/Antenna, Aerospace engineering, and Telecommunications, requiring skills in electromagnetics, antenna modeling, design, arrays, beamforming, and Matlab programming. The 36-month PhD includes 18 months at Thales Alenia Space in Toulouse and 18 months at Heriot-Watt University, UK.

Must Have

• Electromagnetics
• Antenna modelling and design
• Antenna arrays and beamforming
• Experience with programming (Matlab)

Perks & Benefits

• Attractive compensation package
• Continuous skills development: training courses, internal academies and communities
• Inclusive, benevolent environment respecting employee balance
• Recognized societal and environmental commitment

Let's build a future of trust together

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Thales is a global high-tech leader specializing in three sectors: Defense & Security, Aerospace & Space, and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that contribute to a safer, more environmentally friendly, and more inclusive world. The Group invests nearly 4 billion euros per year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, cloud technologies, and 6G. Thales has nearly 81,000 employees in 68 countries.

Our commitments, your benefits

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• Success driven by our technological excellence, your experience, and our shared ambition
• An attractive compensation package
• Continuous skills development: training courses, internal academies, and internal communities
• An inclusive, benevolent environment that respects employee balance
• Recognized societal and environmental commitment

Your daily life

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The Toulouse Champollion site brings together satellite systems engineering activities, the design and production of payloads, the development and qualification of ground segments. It integrates a research center and an industrial accelerator for start-ups and ventures, as well as activities dedicated to low-temperature science, more precisely to the development and production of micromechanical coolers for demanding markets.

In-orbit assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) of large antennas are critical for advancing next-generation space capabilities because they overcome the size and launch constraints of current rockets. Building and deploying large, high-precision antennas directly in space enables the creation of structures far larger and more sensitive than those that can be stowed within a launch fairing, dramatically improving communication bandwidth or Earth observation resolution.

This approach also allows for modular upgrades, on-orbit repairs, and adaptive reconfiguration, ultimately reducing long-term mission costs and extending the operational lifespan of space infrastructure. Several open challenges remain in advancing ISAM of large antennas. One key issue is the design of suitable building blocks for ISAM reflectors, including the optimization of their dimensions and geometry to enable efficient assembly patterns.

Trade-offs may include a simpler antenna configuration with compensation at the feed array. In-orbit calibration also remains a critical technical challenge, particularly in case when the antenna is fed by an an active array.

Radio Resource Management (RRM) could be exploited to maximize the capacity of the system based on the real beams characteristics produced by the geometry of the reflector.

The project will include the following core activities:

1. Define and investigate a scenario of a large ISAM reflector antenna in terms of its architecture and assembly

2. Co-develop manufacturing, radio frequency, digital techniques as well as RRM methodologies to optimise the trade-off between complexity cost and performance

Research field:

• Electrical engineering
• RF/Antenna engineering
• Aerospace engineering
• Telecommunications

Required skills:

• Electromagnetics
• Antenna modelling and design
• Antenna arrays and beamforming
• Experience with programming (Matlab)

The Thesis will include 18 months at Thales Alenia Space in Toulouse, followed by 18 months at the Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom, Edinburgh . In total the PhD will span 36 months

Thales, a Handi-Engaged company, recognizes all talents. Diversity is our best asset. Apply and join us!