Russian researchers at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute have built compact space detectors to study gamma radiation and cosmic rays aboard small satellites.
The instruments are designed for installation on small spacecraft known as CubeSats, with dimensions that do not exceed 10 by 10 by 10 centimetres. Engineers plan to mount the one-unit devices onto the outer surface of larger three-unit CubeSat satellites manufactured by Russian aerospace companies Sputnix and Geoscan.
CubeSats are modular nanosatellites built from standardised cubic units that provide low-cost access to orbit for scientific research and technology testing. Sputnix and Geoscan specialise in developing these compact platforms, which allow research institutions to deploy orbital payloads without the high expense of dedicated missions.
Anticoincidence detection system
At the heart of each detector is a gamma spectrometer modified to record incoming streams of charged cosmic rays. The primary challenge for the developers was ensuring the sensor could distinguish between photons of electromagnetic radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays, and charged particles.
To solve this, researchers surrounded the detector with an anticoincidence system. MEPhI representatives explained that a charged particle triggers a signal as it passes through the anticoincidence shield, whereas a gamma photon passes without registering. As a result, any signal in the anticoincidence system indicates that a charged particle has crossed the device.
Miniature orbital observatories
The new design aims to miniaturise equipment previously restricted to large orbital observatories. For example, the PAMELA instrument, which operated on the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite between 2006 and 2016, weighed about 470 kilograms. MEPhI noted that while the miniature detector operates in a lower energy range than those massive devices, it remains of significant scientific interest.
Scientists believe that detectors mounted on CubeSats can work independently and also support major astronomical projects. The devices can alert more powerful observatories to specific sectors of the sky where notable astrophysical events are taking place.
The launch of three Natalia instruments into space is scheduled for 2027.
