The project, initially funded by the UK Space Agency, will take several years to complete.  Once designed and built, the new satellite will observe volcanoes from space and take 3D images of ash clouds.

The team will be working on the design of the satellite and will be mentored by RAL Space experts in a special Concurrent Design Facility.  Concurrent engineering puts all design engineers and required tools together with the user in the same location at the same time. This allows for iterative design at a fast pace, with user and designers agreeing requirements and taking decisions in real time.

Dr Lucy Berthoud, Space Systems Lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, said: "This is the first time that RAL Space have allowed students to use their facility.  We are really excited for our students to have the opportunity to work in this state-of-the-art facility and would like to thank RAL Space and the UK Space Agency for helping to make this happen."

Dr Matt Watson, Reader in Natural Hazards from the School of Earth Sciences, added: "It is really unusual for UK universities to build a satellite.  Once the satellite has been launched, we hope to receive ground-breaking images of volcanic ash. It is great that space experts and students have come together to work on the project and we are delighted that we are encouraging the next generation of space scientists and engineers."

Jenny Jobling, a 4th year Aerospace engineering student said: "Working on a real-life mission is very motivating for us, it’s a unique opportunity."

Dr Dan Peters, from RAL Space, concluded: "It's been fun working with students, we've tested our facility in new and different ways and it's been fascinating to watch the mission come into focus. It's great to be training the next generation of scientists and engineers to use concurrent design."

The project team includes aerospace engineers Dr Lucy Berthoud and Dr Mark Schenk who will work with Bristol's award-winning volcanology colleagues: Dr Matt Watson and Dr Helen Thomas.