# https://sparehorizon.eu


## Posts

- [February 2026 – SPARE Recruitment Campaign](https://sparehorizon.eu/february-2026-spare-recruitment-campaign/): The in-person interviews for the engineering positions of the SPARE project took place from 9 to 11 February at Thales Research & Technology in Palaiseau, France. Over the course of three days, ten doctoral candidates in engineering were selected for an equivalent number of positions. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for a series of technical discussions covering the following domains of expertise: Additional SPARE programme management aspects, such as the organisation of a concurrent engineering activity and an enterprise competition aimed at fostering transversal competencies among the doctoral candidates, were also discussed by the SPARE Steering Committee during these […]
- [We kicked off and are now recruiting!](https://sparehorizon.eu/we-kicked-off-and-are-now-recruiting/): The SPARE project kicked off in November 2025 and is now recruiting 11 Doctoral Candidates in Engineering and 2 Doctoral Candidates in Space Law and Economics. To apply, please send your CV, Motivation letter and a link to a video of up to 3 minutes explaining your background and interests to dsp-jv-spare@thalesaleniaspace.com by 9 January. For more details please refer to the links below: https://lnkd.in/dbZyBfqX https://lnkd.in/dTDKiXdv
- [Welcome!](https://sparehorizon.eu/hello-world/): Welcome to the SPARE Project, funded from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°101227584. Orbiting satellites and space infrastructure are becoming inseparable from modern life, powering everything from communications to emerging technologies. As activity in low Earth orbit accelerates, Europe faces mounting challenges such as environmental strain on terrestrial and orbital ecosystems, growing competition from global players, and the risk of technical failures or security threats. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SPARE project aims to turn these challenges into opportunities. Focusing on sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness, SPARE promotes responsible growth in space. […]

## Pages

- [PhD Fellows](https://sparehorizon.eu/phd-fellows/): This section provides details on the doctoral candidates involved in the project. Economy and Law profiles Name Surname DC1 – European Policy and Regulation for Sustainable, Secure and Fair Space Name Surname DC2 – Economics of New Space and European Competitiveness Engineering profiles Name Surname DC1 – Digital Twin for In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing Name Surname DC2 – Large ISAM Antenna and De-orbiting Sail Name Surname DC3 – Space-Based Data Centre Chiara sforza DC4 – Distributed Spectrum Sensing for Satellite Systems Name Surname DC5 – Spectrum Sharing between Mobile Services (MS) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) Name Surname DC6 – […]
- [Dr. Francesco Sanfedino](https://sparehorizon.eu/dr-francesco-sanfedino/): BIO Francesco Sanfedino obtained his Ph.D. degree in automatic control in 2019. His thesis, entitled “Experimental Validation of High Accuracy Pointing System”, was a collaboration among the European Space Agency (ESA), ISAE-SUPAERO and Airbus DS in the frame of a Networking/Partnering Initiative (NPI). From 2019 he is Associate Professor in Dynamics and Control of Space Systems in ISAE-SUPAERO. His research areas include: dynamics modelling, flexible structures, robust control and analysis, micro-vibration control, system identification, Space systems.
- [Dr. Baha Eddine Youcef Belmekki](https://sparehorizon.eu/dr-baha-eddine-youcef-belmekki/): BIO Dr. Baha Eddine Youcef Belmekki is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University and a Senior Member of the IEEE, specializing in the design and modeling of future vehicular networks, advanced air mobility, and non-terrestrial networks. He earned his Ph.D. from the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse and conducted postdoctoral research at the Communication Theory Laboratory at KAUST. Throughout his career, he has been honored with the 2024 Arab Scientific Community Organization award and was named an “Emerging Talent” at the 2023 Falling Walls Lab in Berlin. His research excellence is further evidenced by prestigious awards from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the United Nations (UN) […]
- [Dr. Souheil Ben Smida](https://sparehorizon.eu/dr-souheil-ben-smida/): BIO Dr Souheil Ben Smida is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot‑Watt University, Edinburgh, where he is part of the Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems. His work bridges advanced RF systems, microwave engineering, and modern signal processing for next‑generation wireless and sensing applications.He received his M.Sc. in Electronics and Instrumentation from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6) in 2000, followed by a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communications from École Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications (Télécom Paris) in 2005.From 2006 to 2008, Dr Ben Smida was a Post‑Doctoral Fellow with the iRadio […]
- [Dr. Wenda Li](https://sparehorizon.eu/dr-wenda-li/): BIO Dr. Wenda Li is currently an Assistant Professor of Telecommunication at the Institute of Sensors, Signals, and Systems, Heriot-Watt University. He served as a lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, he was a Research Fellow at University College London (2019-2022) and the University of Birmingham (2018-2019). He earned his PhD from the University of Bristol in 2018, following an MEng in 2013, also from the University of Bristol. His research focuses on signal processing and high-speed digital system design for wireless […]
- [Cookie Policy](https://sparehorizon.eu/cookie-policy/): Effective date: December 01, 2025 Last updated: December 01, 2025   What are cookies? This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, the types of cookies we use (i.e., the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used), and how to manage your cookie settings. Cookies are small text files used to store small pieces of information. They are stored on your device when a website loads in your browser. These cookies help ensure that the website functions properly, enhance security, provide a better user experience, and analyse performance to identify what works and […]
- [PAPERS](https://sparehorizon.eu/papers/): Work in Progress Thank you for your interest. This webpage is currently being updated.We appreciate your understanding.
- [NEWS](https://sparehorizon.eu/news/)
- [Work in Progress](https://sparehorizon.eu/work-in-progress/): Thank you for your interest. This webpage is currently being updated. We appreciate your understanding.
- [DC11 - Dimensioning of Multi-Mission Ground Segment](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc11-dimensioning-of-multi-mission-ground-segment/): Patrick Guillevic M.Sc. Partner Organisations University of the Bundeswehr Munich (PhD awarding institution)Thales Alenia Space France Supervisors Dr.-Ing. Thomas DelamotteDr. Hervé Legay Description of the Work Project Earth observation and monitoring satellites have become strategic assets for many key areas such as agriculture and environmental public policy. The observation data are handled on board the satellites by the so-called payload data handling and transmission (PDHT) subsystems, which are responsible for storing and forwarding the information to ground data centres for further processing and evaluation. The growing number of missions launched to provide Earth observation and monitoring services, together with the […]
- [DC10 - Eco-design Methodologies for Clean Space System Engineering](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc10-eco-design-methodologies-for-clean-space-system-engineering/): Nicolas Oidtmann M.Sc. Description of the Work Project The project aims to define, develop and validate innovative methodologies based on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital technologies for the sustainable development and optimisation of complex product lines in the space and industrial sectors. The key objective is to integrate environmental sustainability—through strategies such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)—and the digitalisation of manufacturing and verification activities—especially Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT)—directly from the earliest stages of the design process. The candidate will investigatehow MBSE tools and model-centric approaches can support the assessment of environmental impacts, enable efficient management of product variants, […]
- [DC9 - Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) using LEO Signals of Opportunity (LEO SoOP)](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc9-position-navigation-and-timing-pnt-using-leosignals-of-opportunity-leo-soop/): Louis Simonnet M.Sc. Partner Organisations Heriot-Watt University (PhD awarding institution)Celestia-Uk Supervisors Dr. Carol MarshDr. Wenda Li Description of the Work Project Satellite navigation is essential for critical applications such as telecommunications, Earth observation and autonomous systems. However, these services currently rely predominantly on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), whose signals are vulnerable to interference, jamming, spoofing and outages. As future space missionsdemand greater resilience, alternative position, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions are becoming increasingly important.Recent advances in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations have created new possibilities for using communication signals as Signals of Opportunity (SoOp) for navigation. Compared with […]
- [DC8 - Space Situational Awareness with Distributed Sensing](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc8-space-situational-awarenesswith-distributed-sensing/): Emilie Vieux M.Sc. Partner Organisations University of the Bundeswehr Munich (PhD awarding institution)Thales Alenia Space FranceThales Alenia Space Spain Supervisors Dr.-Ing. Thomas DelamotteDr. Hervé Legay Description of the Work Project Space situational awareness (SSA), i.e., the identification, tracking and monitoring of space-borne objects, has traditionally been supported by ground-based systems, such as the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) system. However, expanding SSA capabilities through space-based surveillance is crucial for enhancing both the resolution and real-time responsiveness of these systems.Space-based surveillance is for example a key component of the EU SST’s long-term R&D roadmap, underscoring its critical importance. Given […]
- [DC7 - Physical Layer Security using Directional Modulation](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc7-physical-layer-security-usingdirectional-modulation/): Washington Ludeña M.Sc. Description of the Work Project Physical layer security is becoming increasingly critical in emerging satellite networks, which support vital services like global communications, Earth observation, and resilient navigation. Unlike traditional encryption methods that rely on computational complexity and are vulnerable to future quantum attacks, physical layer wireless security technologies encrypt the conveyed information through the physical properties of radio signals themselves. This can be achieved by employing either the inherently random nature of wireless channels or the purposely generated random signals. This approach offers a quantum-resistant safeguard, as it does not depend on mathematical problems that quantum […]
- [DC6 - Radio Resource Management (RRM) for LEO Constellations](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc6-radio-resource-management-rrmfor-leo-constellations/): 1. MSCA Mobility rule To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first recruiting beneficiary (France or United Kingdom) for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date — unless this period was part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 2. Description of the Work Project Emerging Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are increasingly adopting direct radiating arrays (DRAs) as a key technology for next-generation communications. […]
- [DC5 - Spectrum Sharing between Mobile Services (MS) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc5-spectrum-sharing-between-mobile-services-msand-mobile-satellite-services-mss/): 1. MSCA Mobility rule To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first recruiting beneficiary (France or United Kingdom) for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date — unless this period was part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 2. Description of the Work Project The growing demand for wireless connectivity is driving increasing pressure on the radio frequency spectrum, leading to the need for more […]
- [DC4 - Distributed Spectrum Sensing for Satellite Systems](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc4-distributed-spectrum-sensing-forsatellite-systems/): Chiara Sforza M.Sc. Partner Organisations University of the Bundeswehr Munich (PhD awarding institution)Thales Alenia Space Spain Supervisors Dr.-Ing. Thomas Delamotte Description of the Work Project Frequency spectrum has become an extremely scarce resource for satellite systems. The growing need to share this valuable asset with terrestrial wireless networks has significantly increased the urgency for advanced radio resource management solutions. A highly timely example of this trend toward greater spectrum coexistence is the effort by radio regulators to enable joint use of frequencies allocated to both terrestrial Mobile Services (MS) and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)—for instance, in the context of direct-to-device […]
- [DC3 - Space-Based Data Centre](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc3-space-based-data-centre/): 1. MSCA Mobility rule To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first recruiting beneficiary (Spain or Germany) for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date — unless this period was part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 2. Description of the Work Project The space market is undergoing rapid transformation, with new technologies increasing accessibility across all levels. New launchers are lowering costs while enabling […]
- [DC2 - Large ISAM Antenna and De-orbiting Sail](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc2-large-isam-antenna-andde-orbiting-sail/): 1. MSCA Mobility rule To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first recruiting beneficiary (France or United Kingdom) for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date — unless this period was part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 2. Description of the Work Project In-orbit assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) of large antennas are critical for advancing next-generation space capabilities because they overcome the size and […]
- [DC1 - Digital Twin for In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc1-digital-twin-for-in-space-assemblyand-manufacturing/): Vinicius Marchioli M.Sc. Partner Organisations ISAE-SUPAERO (PhD awarding institution)DYCSYTThales Alenia Space, France Supervisors Dr. Francesco Sanfedino — ISAE-SUPAEROProf. Daniel Alazard — ISAE-SUPAERODr. Ervan Kassarian — DYCSYTDr. Andrea Guarriello — Thales Alenia SpaceDr. Hervé Legay — Thales Alenia Space Description of the Work Project Large-aperture antennas are a key enabling technology for a broad range of space applications, from traditional communication and radar services to advanced communication methods, remote sensing, deep-space exploration, and power-transfer spacecraft. A larger aperture improves signal resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio, while its geometric precision directly governs spatial resolution and sensitivity. Achieving such apertures remains a significant […]
- [IMPRINT](https://sparehorizon.eu/impressum/): Website OperatorHeriot-Watt UniversityHeriot-Watt University Edinburgh CampusEH14 4AS, Edinburgh, ScotlandUnited Kingdom Represented by:Prof. George Goussetis (Project Coordinator) ContactPhone: +44 (0)131 451 3055Email: g.goussetis@hw.ac.ukWebsite: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/persons/george-goussetis/ Content ResponsibilityProf. George GoussetisHeriot-Watt UniversityEH14 4AS, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom Project DescriptionThis website provides information about the SPARE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).The website aims to disseminate information on recruitment calls, research activities, and scientific publications produced within the consortium. EU Funding AcknowledgementThis project is funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 101227584.The views expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://sparehorizon.eu/privacy-policy-2/): This Privacy Policy describes the policies of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Scotland, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the), email: g.goussetis@hw.ac.uk, phone: +44 (0)131 451 3055 on the collection, use and disclosure of your information that we collect when you use our website https://sparehorizon.eu (the “Service”). By accessing or using the Service, you are consenting to the collection, use and disclosure of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not consent to the same, please do not access or use the Service. Who we are Our website address is: https://sparehorizon.eu. Data […]
- [DC2 - Economics of New Space and European Competitiveness](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc2-economics-of-new-space-and-europeancompetitiveness/): Clément Jeanjean M.Sc. Partner Organisations University of the Bundeswehr Munich (PhD awarding institution)Thales Alenia Space France Supervisors Prof. Dr. Elisabeth MüllerProf. Dr. Rafaela KrausVirginie Dominguez Description of the Work Project The European space industry is undergoing a major transformation as it adapts to the New Space paradigm, marked by private-sector innovation, rapid technological progress, and new business models emerging under intense global competition. Despite growing policy and industrial attention to sustainability in space, ranging from the European Space Agency’s Clean Space Initiative and the Space Sustainability Rating to emerging life-cycle assessment frameworks, research on sustainable innovation in the space sector […]
- [DC1 - European Policy and Regulation for Sustainable, Secure and Fair Space](https://sparehorizon.eu/dc1-european-policy-and-regulation-for-sustainable-secure-and-fair-space/): 1. MSCA Mobility rule To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their first recruiting beneficiary (France or Hungary) for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date — unless this period was part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 2. Description of the Work Project The growing dependence of our human civilization on space systems and the intensifying new space race have effectively transformed space sustainability from […]
- [ECONOMY/LAW PROFILES](https://sparehorizon.eu/economics-law-profiles/): The SPARE project kicked off in November 2025 and is now recruiting 2 Doctoral Candidates with Economy/Law background for an equivalent number of projects. Please refer to the attached documents and links below for descriptions of the projects and employment. To apply, please send your CV, Motivation letter and a link to a video of up to 3 minutes explaining your background and interests to dsp-jv-spare@thalesaleniaspace.com by 9 January 2026. The SPARE Consortium will consider your application for your preferred position as well as other possible positions that fit your profile. You may consult the following list to obtain further information […]
- [ENGINEERING PROFILES](https://sparehorizon.eu/engineering-profiles/): The SPARE project kicked off in November 2025 and is now recruiting 11 Doctoral Candidates with Engineering background for an equivalent number of projects. Please refer to the attached documents and links below for descriptions of the projects and employment. To apply, please send your CV, Motivation letter and a link to a video of up to 3 minutes explaining your background and interests to dsp-jv-spare@thalesaleniaspace.com by 9 January 2026. The SPARE Consortium will consider your application for your preferred position as well as other possible positions that fit your profile. You may consult the following list to obtain further information […]
- [POSITIONS](https://sparehorizon.eu/open-positions/): This section provides detailed information regarding the application procedure for PhD candidate positions.Applicants are kindly requested to read the instructions carefully and to contact us should they require any further clarification. Application period closed The recruitment period for the PhD positions has now concluded.Deadline: 9 January 2026 For detailed information and application guidelines regarding the doctoral positions, please select one of the following options:
- [PEOPLE](https://sparehorizon.eu/people/): This section provides details on the project supervisors representing each partner organisation in the consortium, as well as on the doctoral candidates involved in the project. DOCTORAL CANDIDATES Engineering profiles Vinicius Marchioli DC 1 – Digital Twin for In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing CHIARA SFORZA DC 4 – Distributed Spectrum Sensing for Satellite Systems Washington Ludeña DC 7 – Physical Layer Security using Directional Modulation emilie vieux dc 8 – Space Situational Awareness with Distributed Sensing Louis Simonnet DC 9 – Position, Navigation and Timing using LEO Signals of Opportunity Nicolas Oidtmann DC 10 – Eco-design Methodologies for Clean Space System […]
- [CONTACT US](https://sparehorizon.eu/contact-us/): If you are experiencing difficulties or require assistance, please contact us using the telephone numbers or email addresses listed below. To help us respond efficiently, include your full name and, where relevant, your DC project number. Project coordinator: Prof. George Goussetis E-Mail:g.goussetis@hw.ac.uk Tel:+44 (0)131 451 3055 Lead Institution:Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, Scotland, UK EH14 4AS
- [Legal Notice](https://sparehorizon.eu/legal-notice/): SPARE Project SPARE has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101227584. Coordinator – Managing institution Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, Scotland, UK EH14 4AS +44 131 449 5111g.goussetis@hw.ac.uk Consortium partners Project Coordinator Prof. George Goussetis E-Mail:g.goussetis@hw.ac.uk Tel:+44 (0)131 451 3055 Disclaimer The information provided on this website reflects only the author’s view. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Copyright notice Unless otherwise stated, all texts and images on this website are © SPARE Project. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is […]
- [ABOUT](https://sparehorizon.eu/about/): A WORLD-CLASS TRAINING PROGRAMME Humanity is presently at the brink of a new era in space development likely to irreversibly bind our daily lives to assets in orbit and beyond. Starting from the paradigm of 6G wireless networks that in the next decade will release cellular services from spaceborne base stations, a diverse range of sectors including energy, materials, nano, bio and pharma will extend activities into LEO orbit. Space is thus evolving into an ever-greater strategic priority for the European society, economy, security and sovereignty. Despite World-class capacities that Europe enjoys, current trends present substantial threats for the future. […]

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