Russia successfully tests 'space radiation shield'

Space radiation may ride roughshod over a satellite's electrical circuits and result in a full-fledged burnout of its onboard systems. This remains one of the main headaches for satellite manufacturers.

Specialists from the Russian Space Systems holding (RSS) have successfully tested a miniature device designed to protect the electronic onboard systems of state-of-the-art satellites from cosmic radiation, the company's press service told Sputnik on Thursday.

The press service explained in a statement that the "space radiation shield" would be part of "the onboard equipment for advanced navigation spacecraft and next-generation Earth observation satellites of future generations", the press service said.

The impact of space radiation's heavy charged particles on the electrical circuits of satellites can lead to an abnormal voltage surge and complete burnout of onboard systems, a process that lasts several milliseconds.

Satellite manufacturers typically use special space category microelectronics to resolve the problem, but RSS specialists went even further when trying to find a new way to secure onboard systems, according to the press service.

"A universal device measuring three by three centimetres is integrated into the electrical circuits of onboard equipment units, continuously monitors the condition of the input and output voltage current. It also detects the destructive effect of radiation and quickly conducts short-term disconnections of the circuit with a duration of five microseconds, something that helps avoid the degradation of onboard components", the statement underlined.

RSS specialists have already wrapped up four stages of tests for the gadget, including mathematical, computer, circuit simulation, and laser testing.

The company noted that thanks to the gadget's compact dimensions, it can be used on both CubeSat-class space vehicle satellites weighing up to 1.3 kilos and massive interplanetary space outposts.

Source: RIA Novosti

Related Links
Russian Space Systems
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

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