11–13 Jun 2025
ESA/ESTEC
Europe/Amsterdam timezone

SpacePix Chip Evolution for Space Dosimetry - VZLUSAT-2 Flight Results and SpacePix3 Lab Characterization

11 Jun 2025, 12:40
20m
ESCAPE Tennis hall (ESA/ESTEC)

ESCAPE Tennis hall

ESA/ESTEC

Keplerlaan 1, 2201 AZ Noordwijk, Netherlands
Oral presentation Radiation instruments 1

Speaker

Radek Novotný

Description

We present the results from the space mission VZLUSAT-2, where our novel space dosimetry system based on the SpacePix2 chip was successfully tested in orbit. The detector system operated continuously over an extended period, demonstrating stable performance in low Earth orbit and providing valuable data on the space radiation environment. The system’s ability to distinguish between different types of radiation and deliver directional sensitivity was confirmed through in-flight data analysis.

Building on the experience and insights gained from the SpacePix2 deployment, we have developed the next-generation chip, SpacePix3, with enhanced functionality. This new version incorporates improvements in noise performance, timing resolution, and energy calibration capabilities while retaining the low power and compact footprint necessary for space missions.

At SPACEMON 2025, we will present detailed results from laboratory tests of the SpacePix3-based system, including calibration procedures, energy and angular response measurements, and comparisons with simulation and SpacePix2 flight data. These developments represent a key step toward a compact, high-resolution, and directionally sensitive dosimetry system for future space missions and long-duration flights.

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