Project Description:

• This SPINternship centers around implementing a inventive space education and outreach initiative related to the University of Bristol's CubeSat research mission,which focuses on reconstructing and investigating volcanic ash clouds. The activity, titled "Catch the Volcano," aims to replicate the objectives of the mission byeducating a wide range of people about the potential uses of space science and engaging the general public and pre-university students in the excitement ofspace exploration. The activity features the use of a specially built hardware - 2-axis gantry system controlling the use of a USB webcam and a USB thermalcamera. This is integrated with a Raspberry Pi 4 platform, complemented by flight simulator quality USB joystick, providing an intuitive interface for controllingthe movement of the camera array. This inventive configuration enables participants to personally experience the challenges and intricacies involved in capturingimagery reminiscent of the CubeSat mission's objectives. This project focusses on the further development of the gantry system hardware, software-hardwareintegration, and improving the quality of the outreach program through user interface updates and improving the robustness/reliability of the rig.

• The University of Bristol Aerospace Engineering, Physics and Earth Sciences departments are working together on this mission.

  The supervision team comprises an academic from the University of Bristol. The intern would be based at the University of Bristol, but participate in regular meetings with the team of students and staff involved in the mission.

  This project would be based in the University of Bristol’s dedicated satellite lab which has a ground station and clean room, as well as other specialised testingequipment.

  There will be regular reviews with the intern and feedback on their CV and production of a poster and brief presentation for the dedicated SPIN Showcase Event.

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• Academic:

  Studying for a bachelors or master’s degree in computing/electronics/aerospace/space engineering/physics

  Minimum requirements:

  Basic knowledge of software programming in python, C++

  Proven motivation to work in the space domain

  Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally

  Experience of working in teams

  Desirable requirements:

  Experience of space and/or earth observation projects

  Knowledge of electronics design and testing

  Knowledge of Cython

Process details:

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

• In-person Induction Event to be held on 24th June 2024, and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held at TBD in October 2024 (date TBD)

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

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.