Project Description:

Reusability is key to our mission, therefore we need to develop a Line Replacement Unit (LRU) mechanism that allows for quick and simple replacement of critical subsystems once our satellite has returned from space. The aim of this internship is to research existing terrestrial LRUs and use this research to design and build a basic engineering model prototype of a mechanism that will allow rapid replacement of a critical subsystem.

The project has 5 main phases:

Research and analysis of LRU mechanisms - Top-level requirements for the mechanism will be provided and the SPINtern will then commence research to gain an understanding of what terrestrial LRUs already exist that have similar requirements within other industries (such as aviation). This will give the SPINtern the foundation upon which they can develop some concepts for use in space.

Rapid Concept design - After deriving from the top-level requirements, using the analysed research and their knowledge, the SPINterm will then develop several concept designs of mechanisms that could potentially be used.

Trade-off of concepts - The concepts will be formally traded off using a trade-off table and the winning concept will be taken forward for detailed design.

Detailed design of a mechanism - The winning concept will undergo a detailed design phase where it will be developed and verified via simulation and analysis. Part of this phase will also involve the creation of a BOM and manufacturing plan to create the engineering model.

Simple EM build and test of the mechanism - The SPINterm will take the detailed design and build plans and build an Engineering Model (EM) from 3D printed polymer and basic CNC milled components. They will then conduct basic static load and operational tests on the EM to verify their simulation results.

The SPINtern will be recording their work in a Detailed Design Report (DDR) document, which will form the basis of a presentation of their work after the project is completed.

Applicant Specification:

Academic: 2nd Year undergraduate or later/postgrad engineering degree in the disciplines of mechanical, aerospace, aviation, or mechatronics engineering

Minimum requirements:

Basic CAD software competency in using Siemens NX or Fusion 360

Ability to work independently

Willing and able to learn new skills rapidly via online research and self-experimentation

Basic understanding of the space environment and space engineering

Basic hands-on engineering skills (using basic hand tools, 3D printers etc)

Is eligible to work in the UK without a visa

Desirable requirements:

Experience in space systems engineering

Hands-on rapid prototyping experience

Knowledge of electrical systems

Knowledge of space standards such as ECSS

CNC manufacturing experience

Static FEA simulation experience

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

How we work:

Space Forge is built from an extraordinarily diverse and eclectic team of makers, united by a love of space, a passion for entrepreneurship, and a collective drive to succeed.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.