Master Thesis (d/f/m): Altimetry-Only Orbit Determination for Earth-Observation Missions

Job Description

In order to support AOCS/GNC & Flight Dynamics, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a Master student in the field of AOCS/GNC & Flight Dynamics (d/f/m), title of thesis: Altimetry-Only Orbit Determination for Earth-Observation Missions.

• Location: Friedrichshafen
• Start: October 2026
• Duration: 6 months

About the Department

The AOCS, GNC & Flight Dynamics department is the centre of competence in Airbus for attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS), Guidance/Navigation/Control (GNC), flight dynamics, and control engineering for all kinds of spacecraft. This includes among others modelling, design, synthesis, and verification & validation of the AOCS/GNC systems.

Learning Objectives

• Advanced space dynamics
• Non-linear state estimation
• Spacecraft navigation architectures
• Geospatial data processing
• Modern systems programming architecture

Thesis Topic

Precise Orbit Determination (POD) is a fundamental prerequisite for scientific Earth-observing missions. Currently, this process relies heavily on continuous, high-density Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. In the event of GNSS outages, alternative observation methods are required to bridge the data gap and constrain the orbit dynamics. This master’s thesis explores the viability of laser altimetry as an independent backup navigation system. The proposed measurement principle relies on comparing the altitude acquired by a laser altimeter against a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to derive the navigation solution. A significant methodological challenge arises from the non-linear and non-differentiable nature of DEM data, which renders the standard Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) unsuitable. To overcome this, the candidate will investigate alternative non-linear state estimation techniques, primarily focusing on the implementation of a Particle Filter. The core research objectives are twofold: first, to determine whether the POD state is fully observable relying exclusively on laser altimeter measurements; and second, to quantify the impact of various error sources – specifically measurement noise, altimeter bias, and pointing (attitude) uncertainty – on the overall quality and stability of the navigation solution.

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

• Interface with DEMs: Process and extract terrain data from Digital Elevation Models using a scripting language.
• Simulate measurements: Generate synthetic laser altimeter measurements along a Keplerian orbit to serve as ground-truth test data.
• Implement state estimation: Develop and tune a Particle Filter for non-linear, terrain-referenced navigation.
• Analyze observability: Evaluate whether the POD state (specifically position and clock bias) is fully observable using the altimeter-only setup.
• Evaluate performance: Conduct detailed sensitivity and estimation analyses regarding uncertainties in initial position, clock bias, and attitude.
• Visualize results: Create clear, comprehensive visualizations of the filter's performance and the resulting corridors of uncertainty.
• Software integration: Prepare the final algorithms and models for seamless integration into our in-house POD software.

Desired Skills And Qualifications

• Enrolled as Aerospace Engineering or Cybernetics Master student or similar field of study
• Proven understanding of absolute and relative Keplerian motions (ideally backed by academic or personal projects)
• Practical experience with non-linear Bayesian filtering techniques, such as Extended Kalman Filters and Particle Filters
• Strong proficiency in Python for data processing and simulation. Solid programming skills in a modern, compiled language (C++26 or Rust) for high-performance computing.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices, including version control (Git), environment management (Nix, pyvenv), and task automation tools (Just, CMake, etc.).
• Bonus: Previous experience working with Digital Elevation Models.
• English is mandatory; German would be an asset.

Location

At the Airbus site in Friedrichshafen you will be working on innovation where others spend their holidays. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance while having lunch in our canteen. And after work, join one of our many corporate sports groups to go running, sailing or skiing.

Benefits

• International environment with the opportunity to network globally.
• Work with modern/diversified technologies.
• At Airbus, we see you as a valuable team member and you are not hired to brew coffee, instead you are in close contact with the interfaces and are part of our weekly team meetings.
• Flexible working arrangements are available to stimulate innovative thinking.

Job Details

• Company: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
• Employment Type: Final-year Thesis
• Experience Level: Student
• Job Family: Vehicle Mission & Control

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