Miniature space dosimeter based on semiconductor oxides, Phase I

Space Micro and Clemson University have teamed for a miniature, ultra low power, space radiation dosimeter. We project this unit, "MicroRad", to be 50X smaller than the existing solution. Our ability to capitalize on COTS semiconductor devices and processes enable extremely accurate measurements at low cost. Space Micro Inc. adds their space rad hard computing to provide data logging and reporting of radiation levels. Our innovation is to utilize a normally negative response of modern microelectronics to space radiation to enable measurement of impinging particles. It is our understanding of the radiation effects physics, combined with space electronics computing and hardware which will make this R&D successful. In Phase we demonstrate technical feasibility with a lab breadboard dosimeter and device level radiation test results. We also evaluate advanced microelectronics packaging techniques (3-D stacking) to even further miniaturize in Phase II. At the end of Phase II we have developed and tested flight model dosimeter including ground-based radiation qualification. Use of space radiation dosimeters has been severely limited due to the size, power, cost of limited custom products; it is our mission to provide a commercially viable standard dosimeter for widespread application to new NASA long duration exploration and science missions.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications: A miniature, accurate space radiation dosimeter is a key component for any commercial system in a radiation environment. These applications include commercial space platforms, both LEO and GEO. Telecommunication satellites, such as Intelsat and earth sensing applications e.g. (NOAA) may use a dosimeter for both platform and payloads. Terrestial commercial applications include nuclear power plants (near core) and research accelerators e.g. (Fermi Labs). Military applications for rad hard lower cost miniature computing include strategic satellites (MILSATCOM and GPS upgrades), strategic missiles (Trident and AF upgrades), as well as many tactical weapon programs such as MDA THAAD and MKV with nuclear survival levels.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.