Onboard computers are critical to space exploration, aiding nearly every spacecraft function from propulsion and navigation systems to life support technology, science data retrieval and analysis, communications, and reentry.<\/p>\n
But computers in space are susceptible to ionizing solar and cosmic radiation. Just one high-energy particle can trigger a so-called \u201csingle event effect,\u201d causing minor data errors that lead to cascading malfunctions, system crashes, and permanent damage. NASA has long sought cost-effective solutions to mitigate radiation effects on computers to ensure mission safety and success.<\/p>\n
Enter the Radiation Tolerant Computer (RadPC) technology demonstration, one of 10 NASA payloads set to fly aboard the next lunar delivery for the agency\u2019s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services<\/a>) initiative. RadPC will be carried to the Moon\u2019s surface by Firefly Aerospace\u2019s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander<\/a>.<\/p>\n Developed by researchers at Montana State University in Bozeman, RadPC aims to demonstrate computer recovery from faults caused by single event effects of ionizing radiation. The computer is designed to gauge its own real-time state of health by employing redundant processors implemented on off-the-shelf integrated circuits called field programmable gate arrays. These tile-like logic blocks are capable of being easily replaced following a confirmed ionizing particle strike. In the event of a radiation strike, RadPC\u2019s patented recovery procedures can identify the location of the fault and repair the issue in the background.<\/p>\n As an added science benefit, RadPC carries three dosimeters to measure varying levels of radiation in the lunar environment with each tuned to different sensitivity levels. These dosimeters will continuously measure the interaction between Earth\u2019s magnetosphere and the solar wind during its journey to the Moon. It will also provide detailed radiation information about Blue Ghost\u2019s lunar landing site at Mare Crisium, which could help to safeguard future Artemis astronauts.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is RadPC\u2019s first mission out into the wild, so to speak,\u201d said Dennis Harris, who manages the payload for the CLPS initiative at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. \u201cThe RadPC CLPS payload is an exciting opportunity to verify a radiation-tolerant computer option that could make future Moon to Mars<\/a> missions safer and more cost-effective.\u201d<\/p>\n Under the CLPS model, NASA is investing in commercial delivery services to the Moon to enable industry growth and support long-term lunar exploration. As a primary customer for CLPS deliveries, NASA aims to be one of many customers on future flights. Marshall manages the development of seven of the 10 CLPS payloads carried on Firefly\u2019s Blue Ghost lunar lander.<\/p>\n Learn more about. CLPS and Artemis at:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/clps<\/a><\/p>\n Alise Fisher
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2546
Alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov<\/a> <\/p>\n