SpaceX is taking significant steps toward improving the durability and reliability of its spacecraft and satellites by building its own particle accelerator in Florida. This new development was confirmed by SpaceX’s VP of Starlink, Michael Nicolls, in a tweet last week. The accelerator, a proton cyclotron, will be used to test how space radiation impacts electronic components on SpaceX’s vehicles, including Starship and Starlink satellites.
Building SpaceX’s Own Particle Accelerator for Space Radiation Testing
SpaceX has long been known for pushing the boundaries of space exploration, and now, the company is investing in the technology to protect its ambitious projects from one of space’s biggest threats: radiation. As the company develops its own particle accelerator in Florida, SpaceX is focusing on testing how radiation from the sun and other space-based sources affects the performance of its spacecraft and electronics. This new facility will be a game-changer in terms of conducting real-world tests on spacecraft electronics, paving the way for more resilient and reliable space vehicles.
The particle accelerator being built by SpaceX is a cyclotron, which will be used to accelerate protons to near-light speed. By doing so, the company will simulate the effects of space radiation on materials and electronics here on Earth. SpaceX intends to use this testing to screen and characterize the hardware used across all of its spacecraft, including the Dragon capsule, Falcon rockets, and Starship. According to a job posting for an Electronics Test Engineer, this proton accelerator “will be used to screen and characterize electronics across all of our vehicles and platforms, unlocking unprecedented agility for chip and [Printed Circuit Board Assembly] level performance characterization that will be critical as we build and scale our AI constellations and deep space exploration vehicles.”
The goal is not just to protect current missions, but to ensure the development of future technologies that can withstand the intense radiation environments of deep space. With this new testing facility, SpaceX aims to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating the challenges of future space exploration missions. SpaceX’s expansion into in-house radiation testing represents a proactive approach to understanding the effects of space radiation, making it an essential step for the company’s long-term success in space.
Space Radiation: The Silent Killer of Spacecraft
While space exploration has made remarkable advancements, one challenge remains: the effects of space radiation on spacecraft and human health. Solar storms, high-energy particles, and cosmic radiation are constant threats to the technology that keeps satellites and spacecraft functioning. SpaceX’s own Starlink satellites have already shown the vulnerability of space-based technology to these hazards. During solar storms, radiation has been shown to damage satellite electronics, leading to shortened lifespans and the need for costly repairs. The introduction of SpaceX’s proton cyclotron is designed to directly address these issues by providing a controlled environment to test how these particles affect electronic systems.
We are also hiring elite engineers at our new 230 MeV cyclotron facility in Florida, where we are bringing single-event radiation testing in house to accelerate development across all SpaceX vehicles.
— Michael Nicolls (@michaelnicollsx) February 6, 2026
In addition to protecting its current operations, SpaceX’s new particle accelerator will help design new technologies that can operate in even more extreme conditions, such as deep space missions. SpaceX’s mission for deep space exploration relies on durable hardware that can withstand years of exposure to radiation. With a cyclotron capable of simulating these intense conditions, the company can better design hardware that will be essential for future manned and unmanned missions beyond Earth’s protective atmosphere.
A New Frontier in Electronics Testing
Electronics in spacecraft face some of the most challenging environments imaginable. In addition to radiation, they also contend with extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and mechanical stress. As SpaceX plans more ambitious missions, like its crewed flights to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the need for more resilient electronics becomes even more pressing. SpaceX’s cyclotron will allow the company to rapidly test and refine electronics that can handle these extreme environments, helping the company’s vehicles meet the high demands of space travel.
By integrating these tests directly into its development process, SpaceX can significantly shorten the time it takes to test, iterate, and improve its hardware. The accelerated testing process will allow the company to handle hardware failures more quickly, ensuring that problems are identified and addressed before they become critical.
SpaceX’s New Accelerator: A Strategic Move for the Future of Space Exploration
The decision to build a particle accelerator in-house represents a strategic move by SpaceX to ensure its spacecraft remain operational in the harshest conditions imaginable. By testing electronics and components against the challenges of space radiation, the company can develop vehicles and satellites that not only survive but thrive in deep space environments. This approach aligns with SpaceX’s broader goals of reducing costs, improving spacecraft longevity, and enhancing the overall success rate of its missions.
The accelerator will not only help SpaceX’s vehicles, but it could also be a vital tool for future space industry developments. As private companies, national space agencies, and international organizations push forward with plans to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the need for durable, radiation-resistant technology will become even more pressing. SpaceX’s commitment to advancing this technology will undoubtedly influence the future of space exploration.