Job Description:
In order to support the AOCS, GNC & Flight Dynamics department, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a
Master Thesis on Evaluation and Implementation of Alternative Ambiguity Resolution Methods in Precise Baseline Determination (d/f/m)
Are you looking for a Master Thesis? Would you like to work on cutting edge Guidance/Navigation/Control (GNC) system design with focus on GNSS based estimation?
Then apply now! We look forward to you joining us.
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Location: Friedrichshafen @ Lake Constance
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Start: March 2024 (or later)
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Duration: 6 months
Department
The AOCS, GNC & Flight Dynamics department is the center of competence in Airbus for attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS), Guidance/Navigation/Control (GNC), flight dynamics, and control engineering for all kinds of spacecraft. This includes among others modeling, design, synthesis, and verification & validation of the AOCS/GNC systems.
Thesis Context
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based estimation of position, velocity and time (PVT) is a key function for the post processing of data from earth observation missions such as TanDEM-X. The navigation algorithm for PVT estimation typically processes the raw GNSS measurements such as carrier phase measurements in an adequate estimator. Precise Baseline Determination (PBD) is the state-of-the-art algorithm to achieve utmost precision in relative PVT. During PBD, the integer ambiguities of the carrier phase measurement need to be resolved correctly, which introduces a mixed float-integer estimation problem. Multiple ambiguity resolution algorithms are readily available but their success cannot be guaranteed for each time step of the considered time period.
The ambiguity resolution is critical for the integrity of the navigation solution. A failure in a single time step can cause the divergence of the filter. In case of a failed ambiguity resolution, alternative approaches must ensure the filter integrity.
The subject of this Master‘s thesis is to review, implement and validate a different formulation of the estimation equation to introduce a modified ambiguity resolution problem. Furthermore, different approaches for improvements of the existing integer ambiguity resolution method should be examined. The goal is to ensure the filter integrity when the ambiguity resolution problem cannot be solved with the existing algorithm.
Your location
At the Airbus site in Friedrichshafen you will be working on innovation where others spend their holidays. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance while having lunch in our canteen. And after work, join one of our many corporate sports groups to go running, sailing or skiing.
Your benefits
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Attractive salary and work-life balance with an 35-hour week (flexitime).
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International environment with the opportunity to network globally.
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Work with modern/diversified technologies.
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At Airbus, we see you as a valuable team member and you are not hired to brew coffee, instead you are in close contact with the interfaces and are part of our weekly team meetings.
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Opportunity to participate in the Generation Airbus Community to expand your own network.
Your tasks and responsibilities
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Understand the state-of-the-art GNSS navigation estimation algorithms for relative navigation (RTK/PBD) with focus on ambiguity resolution
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Get familiar with the existing navigation filter (C++)
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Get familiar with the existing tool-chain to generate test-scenarios and test-data
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Review alternative approaches to solve the ambiguity resolution problem (C++/MATLAB)
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Review approaches to improve the already existing ambiguity resolution approach.
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Implement and validate a selected set of the approaches in the existing navigation filter in C++.
For validation we propose a three-step-approach: (1) Software in the loop (SIL), (2) Hardware in the loop (HIL) utilizing a real space GNSS receiver, (3) in-orbit data -
Compare the performance of the ambiguity resolution method to the existing method using dedicated test scenarios (e.g. satellite orbital maneuvers) and draw conclusions
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Documentation
Desired skills and qualifications
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Enrolled as Geodesy, Aerospace Engineering or Cybernetics Master student (m/f/d) or similar field of study
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Very good knowledge of estimation theory including Kalman filtering
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Good knowledge of GNSS-navigation or high motivation to learn the subject
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Practical experience in object oriented C++
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Practical experience with CI/CD (version control, unit tests, etc.)
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Good knowledge of MATLAB
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English is mandatory
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German would be an asset
Please upload the following documents: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrollment certificate.
Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth.
Take your career to a new level and apply online now!
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
Employment Type:
Final-year Thesis
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Experience Level:
Student
Job Family:
Vehicle Mission & Control
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