Christie Maddock, BEng (Hons), PhD

Dr Maddock is an expert in mathematical modelling and system design optimisation for transatmospheric flight vehicles, including spaceplane-based launch systems. 

Dr Maddock received her undergraduate honours degree in 2002 in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Electronics and Systems from Carleton University in Canada. Her thesis was on the design of an optical inter-satellite link for a LEO-GEO data relay satellite system.

Her doctoral research was conducted at the University of Glasgow on the dynamics, navigation and control of a spacecraft formation of solar concentrators in the proximity of an asteroid. The research investigated a method for asteroid deflection/manipulation using a formation of spacecraft in proximity to the asteroid, equipped with a solar light concentrator, either mirrors/lens or lasers. By directing a high temperature spot beam into the surface of the asteroid, the regolith will sublimate and produce a low-thrust jet which will alter the orbital trajectory of the asteroid.  

Prior to obtaining her PhD, Dr Maddock worked for the Canadian Spectrum Engineering Division analysing and designing future communications satellites, and sitting on a number of working parties within the Radiocommunications bureau of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). In particular, she was a member of the Canadian Delegation, and Chair for the ITU-R Working Party 4B on performance, availability, air interfaces and earth-station equipment of satellite systems in the FSS, BSS and MSS.

• Earth-to-space vehicle design
• Spacecraft formation flying
• Modelling and simulation of engineering systems
• Satellite telecommunications
• Evaluation and analysis of trajectory design for air/space vehicles
• Design and analysis of proximal motion dynamics, open and closed loop control
• Analysis and/or the development and simulation of software models
• Consultation on the regulatory process for satellite frequency and orbital location

I am currently lecturer for the following courses:

Dynamics & Control 16361 (Dynamics 3 ME305, Measurement, Instrumentation & Control 16318)

The course covers topics on kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies, mechanical vibrations in the first semester, while the second semester looks at control systems engineering, methods for analysing and altering the performance of dynamics systems, and designing controllers. Elements of numerical modelling and simulation is woven throughout the year. 

Applied Mechanics and Machine Design EO402 (Applied Mechanics module)

The module on applied mechanics covers general motion of rigid bodies including forces & accelerations, energy methods and impulse & momentum. Free and forced vibrations of mass-spring-damper systems are also studied. 

Administration

Adviser of Studies, Year 3 Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (2020/21--)
Adviser of Studies, Year 3 Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (2019/20)

Technical consultant for several launch vehicle start-ups including Orbital Access Ltd, and Orbital Cargo Drone as well as larger companies such as Reaction Engines Ltd. 

Consultancy work involves using research-driven software tools for trajectory optimisation, and robust multi-disciplinary design optimisation to analyse the mission, performance capabilities of the system, range safety and abort cases, system design and the impact of design drivers on performance, and vice versa. By numerically modelling the vehicle and environment, it is possible to analyse the performance of the entire system, capturing the interdependancies between design decisions, such as engine sizing, re-start and burn times, stage separation timing and conditions and flight path, to performance such as payload-to-orbit, abort flight paths, vehicle and/or payload recovery, and glide profile.