Development and validation of innovative, near real-time analytical tools to enable mitigation of contamination within cleanrooms of the UK spacecraft

The STFC Industrial CASE (Cooperative Awards in Science and Technology) studentship provides a 3.5-year stipend that allows the student to spend periods of time on placement at Airbus DS in Stevenage, UK. The cumulative placement period will be no less than 9 months but this will be spread over the period of the studentship and will not normally exceed 18

months. Protecting the space environment is a critical 21st century challenge to ensure the space sector remains environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. For those that manufacture space and satellite equipment, contamination resulting from surfaces, people and materials is a particular problem that is poorly understood but could have serious

adverse impacts on extra-terrestrial environments. Many materials used in the manufacture of spacecraft, particularly those used for bonding, are silicone-based. This is because they are easy to use, work well in a large range of temperatures, have good adhesion and are UV and ozone resistant. Certain silicones emit

low levels of volatile gases. However, in the space environment, there are both thermal and vacuum effects that increase outgassing of certain compounds that can settle on sensitive equipment causing parts, such as lenses, to become contaminated and image quality to be reduced. If they are deposited on equipment that lands on a celestial body, this could

contaminate other natural environments, including those that might be habitable. This studentship builds on a successful Open University/Airbus DS STFC Impact Accelerator Account project (scheme can be found online) and will apply a novel approach to volatile analysis within space sector cleanrooms.

The aims of this studentship are: 1. To identify, profile and catalogue volatile, semi-volatile and surface organic compounds in cleanrooms and understand the influence of VOCs on bonding, and cleaning methodologies. 2. To develop techniques, in partnership with the Airbus technical team, to help identify

individual contamination compounds, and assess risk of silicone contamination vs cure. 3. To develop analytical strategies to then deal with real time contamination events. 4. To develop and optimise analytical methods for flight hardware, cleanroom surfaces and air. Training and skills: The Open University (OU) is based in Milton Keynes where the student will receive training

in chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to facilitate the identification of organic compounds. These techniques will include Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), additional headspace analysis techniques, and Selective Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS).

The student will receive training in M&P protocols in line with contamination control at Airbus' Stevenage site, which focuses on spacecraft manufacturing and played a key role in the assembly of the ExoMars rover. They will have the opportunity to shadow the M&P staff and cleanliness control engineers when on site. They will learn how cleanrooms function, ISO

standards and why specialist clothing is required for the different ISO standards. They will be able to observe the current laboratory techniques in use (FTIR) and be able to compare these to their own methods/results. The student will benefit from bespoke training organised by the School of Earth, Environment and Ecosystem Sciences (EEES) and by AstrobiologyOU, including mandated

training, such as health and safety and laboratory skills. They will benefit from being a member of a cross-school research group, with relevant in-house training. AstrobiologyOU offers dedicated training events and seminars, including CV-writing support, managing budgets and fellowship writing training. AstrobiologyOU is committed to identifying teaching

opportunities for any student that desires them and offering public engagement opportunities to support communication