Space-themed Zoomposium 1: 20 January 2022
Published: 13 January 2022
Dr Kevin WORRALL: ‘Introduction to the Space and Exploration Technology Group' Dr Thomas ELSDEN: ‘Vibrations in Near-Earth Space’ Dr Onur CELIK: ‘Orbital Dynamics of Solar Reflectors for Space-based Solar Power’
Watch Space-themed Zoomposium 1 (Passcode: bm22*5k5)
Speakers:
Dr Kevin Worrall, James Watt School of Engineering
‘Introduction to the Space and Exploration Technology Group’
Space related research requires a multidisciplinary approach that covers many aspects within engineering, computing, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and more... Within engineering we have a very active technology-based research group that have a diverse range of experience and expertise to support space mission design through to developing hardware for space.
This introduction will highlight the expertise present and approaches to working with the group and how we wish to work with other groups to support their space ambitions.
Dr Thomas Elsden, School of Mathematics and Statistics
‘Vibrations in Near-Earth Space’
My research involves computational modelling of the lowest frequency plasma waves in the space surrounding the Earth, known as the magnetosphere. This region extends to about 60,000km towards the Sun and is dominated by the effects of Earth’s magnetic field. The waves in question play a key role in transporting energy from the Solar Wind throughout the magnetosphere, affecting the aurora, orbiting spacecraft and potentially even power grids on the ground. I’d be interested to talk to anyone with an interest in space plasma physics in general, in particular with a focus on plasma waves.
Dr Onur Celik, James Watt School of Engineering
‘Orbital Dynamics of Solar Reflectors for Space-based Solar Power’
My current research lies in the orbital dynamics of solar reflectors for space-based solar power. I am working on mathematical and numerical modelling of solar energy delivery by such reflectors and devising their constellations around the Earth to enable enhanced utilisation of terrestrial solar energy. I have also worked on orbital dynamics and low-speed cratering in the context of small bodies (i.e., asteroids and comets) previously in the UK, Japan, and the US. I am keen on building fruitful collaborations with scientists and engineers alike to apply space-based solutions to various research fields.
First published: 13 January 2022