Experiment Development and Verification for the Demonstration of Advanced Radiation Shielding in Future Satellite Missions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper outlines the design of the space radiation detection experiment RADS to demonstrate new shielding materials in space during the Athene-1 mission, as well as the Gena-OT1 CubeSat precursor mission. The experiment compares new materials in the form of functional layers integrated into fibre-reinforced composite structures against traditional aluminium shielding. Trapped-particle motion is considered to maximise the exposure of the experiment in space. The radiation sensing units are based on off-the-shelf electronic components. Dosimeters based on a floating-gate MOSFET architecture are used to represent the damage mechanism in electronic devices exposed to space radiation. To account for particle- and energy-specific dose enhancement effects in the silicon of the dosimeters, the concept of a Cobalt-60 equivalent dose is introduced to serve as a calibration baseline. The structural design and software aspects are considered to increase ease of use for future satellite missions. Full 3D radiation simulations were conducted using FastRAD to validate the measurement concept of the sensor units in conjunction with the housing unit and the new shielding material. The experimental design has been verified, showcasing a unique method for evaluating new shielding materials in space.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s26051404
Authors: Nico Gerster, Tobias Dickhut
Institution: Universität der Bundeswehr München
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7131286617