Radiation-resistant computer, or RadPC, payload undergoing final validation at Montana State University in Bozeman, which manages the payload project. RadPC is one of the 10 NASA payloads, assigned to fly aboard the next mission for NASA's CLPS initiative (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) in 2025 year. RadPC prototypes have previously been tested aboard the International Space Station and satellites, that revolve around the Earth, but the technology demonstrator will undergo its biggest test during its flight to the moon -- passing through Earth's Van Allen radiation belts -- and during its roughly two-week mission on the lunar surface. Photo courtesy of Firefly Aerospace.
Onboard computers are critical to space exploration, assisting almost all functions of the spacecraft, ranging from propulsion and navigation systems to life support technologies, search and analysis of scientific data, connection and re-entry.
But computers in space are sensitive to ionizing solar and cosmic radiation. Only one high-energy particle can trigger the so-called "single event effect", causing minor errors in the data, which lead to cascading failures, system failures and irreparable damage. NASA has long sought cost-effective solutions to mitigate radiation exposure to computers, to ensure the safety and success of the mission.
During the experiment, a demonstration of a radiation-resistant computer will be held (RadPC), one of 10 NASA payloads, assigned to fly aboard the next mission to the moon for the agency's CLPS initiative. RadPC will be delivered to the surface of the Moon using the Blue Ghost lunar lander 1 Firefly Aerospace.
RadPC, developed by researchers at Montana State University in Bozeman, is intended to demonstrate the recovery of a computer after failures, caused by a single exposure to ionizing radiation. Комп’ютер розроблено для вимірювання власного стану в режимі реального часу за допомогою резервних процесорів, implemented on ready-made integrated circuits, which are called programmable gate arrays. These slab-like logic units can be easily replaced after a confirmed ionizing particle impact. У разі радіаційного ураження процедури відновлення RadPC можуть визначити місце несправності та усунути проблему у фоновому режимі.
As an additional scientific advantage, The RadPC contains three dosimeters to measure different levels of radiation in the lunar environment, each set to different levels of sensitivity. These dosimeters will continuously measure the interaction between the Earth's magnetosphere and the solar wind during the spacecraft's journey to the Moon. It will also provide detailed radiation information about Blue Ghost's lunar landing site at Mare Crisium, which could help protect future Artemis astronauts.
According to the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial lunar delivery services, to promote industry and support long-term lunar exploration. As CLPS' primary delivery customer, NASA aims to be one of many customers on future missions.