Developing Cherenkov detector technology for a new SEP instrument

The goal of this IRAD will be to develop the electronics; processing; and interfacing of a Cherenkov detector to be used in a new high-energy SEP instrument. The goal of a previous IRAD was the design optimization of a payload which will ultimately incorporate Cherenkov detectors to measure protons ~10->500 MeV. The project will result in future capability to build an engineering model of a combined solid-state detector and Cherenkov detector instrument for a variety of upcoming opportunities. The project will advance the from 2 to 4.

Improving our understanding of SWx has been recently listed as one of the primary Goddard 2040 strategic vectors to guide NASA/; along with being a cross-divisional topic which is another Goddard 2040 vector; and the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC); who would heavily utilize data from this instrument; has been listed as Tier 1 activity at NASA/. Thus; furthering our ability to forecast; nowcast; and hindcast impactful SWx events addresses NASA goals and is of direct benefit to the nation as a whole. This is a high priority item that would both improve our scientific understanding of the acceleration mechanisms that can produce particles of these energies and improve SWx prediction capabilities; thereby safeguarding astronauts and space assets.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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