THESIS PROJECT
Undocking, (re-)docking Inspection Satellite

Project Description

About

At Vinterstellar, we’re building the future of Swedish space exploration by turning bold ideas into reality.
We are now inviting a student to take part of in-orbit infrastructure, more precisely autonomous inspection and servicing.

Future space infrastructures will rely on inspection and refueling systems to extend spacecraft lifetimes, enable safe operations, and build resilience in orbit.
In this thesis project, you will help define a small autonomous inspection satellite capable of undocking from a host platform, performing an inspection mission, and returning to dock and refuel.
Such systems are key enablers for next-generation in-orbit servicing, autonomy, and sustainable satellite operations.

Thesis Objective

To perform a Mission / System Concept Study of an inspection satellite system including the associated docking and refueling station, with the goal of defining a feasible mission concept and system architecture.

What You’ll Gain

  • Experience in end-to-end space mission concept definition

  • Insights into autonomy, inspection, and in-orbit servicing architectures

  • Practical application of systems engineering, mission analysis, and orbital mechanics

  • Collaboration with industry experts and potential links to SNSA, ESA, and academic partners

  • A chance to contribute to the future of sustainable satellite operations

You will work on:

  • Mission Concept Definition: Define mission objectives, operational sequence, and orbit geometry.

  • System Sizing: Perform preliminary sizing of both the inspector satellite and docking/refueling station.

  • Key System Drivers: Identify and quantify critical drivers such as guidance, navigation, docking accuracy, and propellant management.

  • Technical Trade-offs: Explore and evaluate solutions addressing autonomy, propulsion, sensing, and refueling challenges.

  • System Architecture & ConOps: Develop a consistent architecture and Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the entire system.

Research Questions

The thesis aims to explore and quantify the main design drivers for a reusable inspection system capable of undocking, inspecting, refueling, and redeploying, by investigating questions such as:

  • How should the Concept of Operations (ConOps) be structured to enable autonomous undocking, inspection, and redocking?

  • What propulsion system sizing and configuration best support agility and reuse?

  • Which sensors are required for inspection, navigation, and docking, and how should they be arranged?

  • What are the power and computing requirements for onboard autonomy and image processing?

  • How should the networking and data exchange between the inspector and base platform be implemented?

  • What physical and functional requirements should the docking station meet to support refueling and reattachment?

  • What are the software and autonomy requirements for GNC and mission management?

Location & Collaboration

  • Work closely with Vinterstellar engineers

  • Supervised by Vinterstellar AB, with potential collaboration with KTH Space Systems or LTU Space Technology.

  • Duration: ~4 months (Feasibility Study / Phase 0-A)

How to Apply

Send your CV, transcript, and a short motivation letter to: career@vinterstellar.se

Applications reviewed continuously.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for motivated master’s students in:

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Systems Engineering

  • Mechatronics
    or similar, with knowledge in orbital mechanics, systems engineering, and mission design.

You should be comfortable working independently, handling multidisciplinary information, and synthesizing complex design trade-offs.