SPACEDOS detectors meet the limits for operation aboard a spacecraft

The development of the CZPAD experiment, which the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences is preparing for the scientific programme of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda’s mission to the International Space Station, has entered another phase. During recent measurements, the SPACEDOS detectors met the required electromagnetic emission limits for equipment intended for operation aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft and in the European Columbus module on the ISS. The testing was carried out ahead of the production of the flight units that will be used for the mission.

Engineering models of the SPACEDOS detector were tested in the anechoic chamber of the Electrotechnical Testing Institute (EZÚ). The aim was to verify the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the device, specifically whether its electronics comply with the specified electromagnetic emission limits and will not interfere with other equipment.

Electromagnetic compatibility is an important requirement for equipment intended for operation in space. Using calibrated instruments at EZÚ, emission levels were therefore measured across different frequency bands and subsequently compared with the limits specified for operation aboard Crew Dragon and in the Columbus module. The results confirmed that the tested SPACEDOS engineering models comply with these requirements.

Personal Dosimetry for Astronauts

CZPAD (Czech Personal Active Dosimeter) is an NPI CAS experiment focused on developing a personal dosimetry system to measure an astronaut’s radiation exposure during spaceflight. Based on SPACEDOS detectors, the system will enable real-time monitoring of radiation exposure at different locations on the astronaut’s body, including the neutron component of cosmic radiation. The results of the experiment may contribute to the further development of personal dosimetry and radiation protection for astronauts on future space missions.

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