PhD Projects: Astronomical Instrumentation

In-flight commissioning and calibration of the Ariel satellite mission

Ariel is a European Space Agency M-class mission to be launched in 2029. Its objective is to measure the spectra of ~1000 exoplanet atmospheres in order to better understand the chemical composition of both planets and their atmospheres and provide a better understanding of planetary origin in different stellar systems. The payload of Ariel consists of two instrument blocks. The first instrument consists of 3 photometric channels to monitor stellar variability and provide accurate pointing information to the satellite as well as a Near-infrared spectrometer. The second instrument consists of two IR spectrometers reaching a wavelength of 8 microns which will detect a range of molecular signatures of interest. The instruments will undergo thorough testing throughout the build phase in the respective institutes
contributing to the payload prior to launch, but will subsequently require a detailed testing procedure once launched during the commissioning phase.

This project aims to model the instrument in detail and design a comprehensive set of tests which the instruments will have to perform after launch and before entering the nominal science operation period.

Experience in optics, spectroscopy and detector physics is beneficial.

Contact: Prof Giorgio Savini (g.savini AT ucl.ac.uk)