Working student (f/m/d) - Post Breakup Collision Risk Assessment for LEO Constellations

Vacancy-ID: 6557

Place of work: Oberpfaffenhofen

Starting date:

Career level: Student employment

Type of employment: Part time

Duration of contract: 6 Monate

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund).

The Galileo Competence Centre is dedicated to the further development of the European satellite navigation system Galileo. Together with the scientific institutes and facilities of the DLR, the performance of Galileo and other existing systems is analysed, new ideas and promising technologies are developed, tested and validated, and, in close cooperation with industry, brought to operational readiness.

The department “Space and Ground Segment Technology" is dedicated to the detailed analysis of existing systems and the specifications derived from them for new technologies in the area of ground systems as well as satellite elements. The driving factors for the scenarios are the requirements on the user side, technological developments, and the needs defined by the EU, EUSPA, or the ESA. System and validation work is carried out predominantly by the Competence Centre itself. Technology development at the module and subsystem level is done in cooperation with the institutes of the DLR, external partners, and industry.

What to expect

This work continues the previous investigations into post‑breakup collision risk assessment for LEO constellations. The General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) is used to define a constellation and to simulate a possible attack involving the destruction of a satellite. Particular focus is placed on the impact of the debris field on the remaining satellites of the constellation. The existing model for the creation and propagation of the debris pieces is to be further developed, for example by refining the NASA fragmentation model used. In addition, parameter studies can be conducted to examine the influence of various scenarios on the risk of subsequent collisions. The results are evaluated using Python.

Your tasks

Continue the literature research on the modelling of space debris

Further develop a model for the behaviour of the debris pieces in GMAT and with Python

Develop possible scenarios

Document the results

Your profile

Enrollment in a university degree programme (bachelor's/master's), preferably in computer science, aerospace engineering, or a similar science‑related field of study

Knowledge of at least one programming language, preferably Python

Experience with version control and development environments

Good English skills, both spoken and written

Ideally, knowledge or prior experience in the field of aerospace engineering / satellite operations

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6557) please contact:

Dr. Rossella Falcone

Tel.:

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