An instrument for monitoring proton-induced upsets in space electronics

Abstract

A small, low power instrument has been developed to monitor proton-induced upsets in space-borne electronics. This instrument will act as a monitor for spacecraft in orbits where single event upsets (SEUs) and other single event effects (SEEs) are considered a significant hazard to on-board electronics. A Flight Model has been designed and built which interfaces with the satellite on-board computer. The instrument has been characterized over the proton energy range 20 MeV to 500 MeV and has no energy dependence. The proton SEU cross section of 2.4/spl times//sup -11/ cm/sup 2//bit is orders of magnitude more sensitive to protons than current flight electronics components. The first instrument will be flown on the STRV 1c satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.