Who we are:

Lodestar is automating everything we do off-earth. The humans and robots we send to space today are expensive, risky, and inherently unscalable - this Old Space way of thinking is holding back an exciting era of New Space opportunities.

Lodestar is changing this with a series of next-gen robotic tools for the space domain, enabling a future where satellites can be routinely serviced, microgravity manufacturing is automated, and massive infrastructure can be built directly up in space. 

Currently a team of five based in London and founded by deep-tech pioneers in Hyperloop and rocketry technology, the team is venture backed by leading deep-tech investors in Europe, and advised by the former head of the European Space Agency. 

The next frontier needs infrastructure that challenges the status quo - join the team at Lodestar to build it.

What you'll work on:

Mission planning is critical for the future of IOSM activities. Tomorrow’s spacecraft will move beyond Keplerian thinking and the ability to repeatedly move between LEO, GEO and beyond will become crucial. Currently available tools such as GMAT, STK and Orekit are not optimised for this new era of operation. Lodestar intends to develop a tool for this type of dynamic planning, where an operator can input target satellites and the type of mission, with outputs being an optimised mission plan with baseline specifications such as fuel (think of Citymapper but for spacecraft!).

The selected applicant will be tasked with first conducting a literature review into current techniques and their limitations, building a model based approach to calculating spacecraft specification depending on mission parameters, and finally putting a user interface on top of this tool for easy planning and demonstrations to customers.

Opportunities for growth:

Technical - This project involves designing spacecraft models, programming with Python/MATLAB and working with visualisation (Unity, Blender, 3DSMax) engines.

Commercial - This task will also involve a deep-dive into the current position, operations and value of the space industry’s most profitable in-orbit assets, understanding the key pain points of their operators, and the key drivers that make servicing economically viable.

Interpersonal - You will develop communication, project, and time management skills, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in spacecraft engineering, mission design & in-space services.

If applicable and where possible, your role will involve attending relevant events, conferences & meetings alongside the company’s founding team either online or in person.

Applicant Specification:

We’re looking for a proactive student to solve real engineering problems while working closely with the founding team of an ambitious start-up in a dynamic environment. If you thrive on a steep learning curve, having ownership over your work, and aren’t afraid of failing and learning as quickly as possible, then this is the placement for you.

Academic

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a related field.

  Minimum Requirements

• Familiarity with orbital mechanics and a passion for space exploration.

• Experience with programming in Python/MATLAB.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  Desirable Requirements

• Understanding of the engineering problems related to spacecraft design and the related technologies.

• Web App development & hosting

• Prior internship or project experience related to software development in the aerospace industry is a plus.

• Experience with Unity (or similar) engine would be for visualisation.

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 in Autumn 2024.

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.