Cheaper and better satellites? One of the most important features of the new-space ongoing revolution is the increasing adoption of standardised COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) components for space missions, especially for low- Earth orbit constellations. COTS components are indeed attractive thanks to their state-of-the-art performance, reduced cost, and high availability on the market. CERN can help increase the reliability of instruments based on COTS, by choosing the right components and optimising the system design.
CERN has vast experience in characterising components to design radiation tolerant systems. As such, it has developed one of the largest data-bases of test reports. An exceptional feature is its unique testing facilities, which are able to screen large batches of components and perform system-level testing.
Cameras, advanced radio systems, on-board computers… CERN works hand-in-hand with space companies and organisations to improve the design of their systems. One remarkable example is CNES’ Eye-Sat nanosatellite, launched in 2019. At the European level, CERN is coordinating the RADSAGA and RADNEXT projects, paving the way to standardised radiation-hardness assurance at system level.
CERN works hand-in-hand with companies and organisations to improve the radiation-tolerance of advanced space systems