Spacecraft Components and Systems
The Disruptive Technology Group scientists are industry leaders of developing high energy physics instruments, particle spectrometers, automated acoustic sensors, and orbital environment sensors. Over a dozen sensors were delivered for spacecraft applications and operated successfully for the lifetime of their mission. These sensors were aboard missions including STS39, STS61C, MSX, DRTS, SERVIS1, and TACSAT2. Currently, DTG is developing a third generation MeV-class charge particle spectrometer.
Recently, a fourth flight model of the SDOM (Standard Dose Monitor) sensor was delivered to the National Aerospace Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The SDOM records environmental changes during space operations and was developed with the Mitsubishi Electric Company. The SDOM is able to detect and perform energy analysis of protons, electronics, alphas and heavy ions over a large energy range. The sensor has a high count rate, a 32 flexible particle-energy spectral bins and interchangeable G-factor.
The SDOM sensors will fly on the Data Relay and Tracking Satellite (DRTS), the Mission Demonstration Satellite-1 (MDS1) and the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of the International Space Station.
The Disruptive Technology Group also develops sensors to aid environmental awareness for satellites. High Energy and Low Energy Particle Spectrometers for the DSX satellite are under development for Air Force Research Laboratory. These spectrometers count, identify and measure energy of particle flux and direction as encountered by a spacecraft. The two sensors discriminate between electrons, protons, and ions and cover the keV to 200 MeV range for protons.
Additionally, a High Energy Particle Sensor for the SERVIS 2 satellite is being engineered for the USEF Agency of Japanese Government. It counts, identifies and measures the energy of electron, proton and ion flux present at the spacecraft. The sensor provides accurate radiation environment information encountered by electronics components to establish space survivability.
The DTG is also apart of a program for Electronic Component Safeguarding. This DARPA program provides protection approaches to prevent computer component firmware from corruption by malicious or threat entities..