DC11: Modelling of rocket impacts on atmospheric composition, dynamics, and climate

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Problem Definition: Previous studies of rocket emissions' impacts struggled from a limited information available on the emission data (composition, distribution, time evolution) and were mostly performed for a single emitted specie type or with a single model. A comprehensive multi-model assessment of the ongoing and potential future impacts of growing rocket launches has never been performed.

Research Objectives:

Perform and analyse lab experiments focused on alumina chemistry and microphysics
Simulate impacts of space launchers on atmospheric composition, considering the updated emission information and near-field processing
Estimate the impacts on atmospheric dynamics
Estimate the impacts on the future ozone layer and climate

Expected Results:

Estimates of impacts of different emitted species on the ozone layer and stratospheric dynamics
Estimates of impacts on atmospheric circulation and climate
Simulation of various future scenarios, important for policy makers
Measurements of missing physico-chemical properties of alumina

Secondments:

Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Madrid, Spain, ca. 5 months): chemistry-dynamics feedbacks and stratosphere-troposphere dynamical coupling
Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI, Villigen, Switzerland, ca. 2 months): lab measurements of alumina chemistry

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.