Texas A&M University is pushing the boundaries of space radiation detection technology through its Chancellor Research Initiative. At Prairie View A&M University, the Radiation Institute for Science and Engineering (RaISE) has developed two advanced payloads that merge compact design with high precision, all while keeping mass and power needs to a minimum.
The first payload, the Radiation Particle Pixel Detector (PPD), made its mark when it launched on the Shinnen-2 spacecraft in 2014. Equipped with robust CMOS technology to handle deep-space conditions, the PPD accurately measures particle flux and energy. Its performance earned it accolades from the Japanese Science and Engineering Society in 2016, and the spacecraft—designed by the Kyushu Institute of Technology—has been busy transmitting vital data while orbiting between Venus and Mars.
The second payload, the Solar and Heliospheric Assessment of Radiation Particles (SHARP) Charged Particle Detector (CPD), began its journey aboard the Ten-Koh spacecraft in 2018. This payload stands out not only for its role in pioneering x-ray measurements from Earth’s polar orbit but also for its innovative use of 3D-printed materials and an array of sensors and spectrometers. Complementing these tools is the Track Structure Detector (TSD) system, which maps heavy ion tracks with great detail—a development that holds promise for both space research and medical applications like particle therapy.
If you’ve ever wrestled with the challenge of balancing instrument size with performance, these innovations offer a smart, practical approach. By marrying clever engineering with tried-and-tested design, this team is making space a bit less mysterious and a lot more manageable for future exploration and technology breakthroughs.
