In this paper we report on the development of Glowbug-2: a gamma-ray transient instrument for the International Space Station (ISS). Glowbug-2 is the next iteration of instrumentation for detecting and localizing gamma-ray transients, in particular Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), being developed and built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This iteration of Glowbug follows the successful deployment and operation of the Glowbug-1 instrument on the ISS [1,2], located on the Japanese Experiment Module – Exposed Facility Unit (JEM-EFU) from March 2023 to April 2024. Glowbug-2 consists of four large area, panel scintillation detectors with edge read out via an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), on the Department of Defense Space Test Program (DoD STP) H-11 pallet. The launch to the Columbus External Payload Facility SOZ on the ISS is expected in late 2025. The scintillation crystal detector units (CDUs) are the same design as the units to be flown on the upcoming NASA StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneers mission. Glowbug-2 will serve as a science enhancement and risk reduction instrument for the StarBurst mission. Each scintillation panel views the sky at a 45° angle (with respect to the pallet), with each detector facing orthogonal viewing directions, for all sky coverage not occulted by the earth. This work presents the science Glowbug-2 will address, the instrument concept and design, and simulated and laboratory instrument performance metrics.
The GAGG Radiation Instrument (GARI) is designed to space-qualify a compact, high-sensitivity gamma-ray spectrometer for astrophysical and defense applications and has completed over one year of operations on the International Space Station (ISS). The on-orbit activation of the GAGG crystal induced by the radiation background was measured. Characteristic gamma-ray lines present in the on-orbit spectra were compared to ground-based tests for identification. The radiation background, including the particle-induced internal activation of the crystal, affects the sensitivity of the instrument. We also show the degradation in the performance of the silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) readout (known to be sensitive to radiation damage). Results shown here will be useful in predicting the performance of larger instruments that use GAGG scintillator technology for gamma-ray spectroscopy.
The Neutron Radiation Detection Instrument-1A (NeRDI-1A) is a neutron sensor on the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) mission STP-H9. NeRDI-1A uses the scintillator Tl2LiYCl6:Ce as well as three Domino microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors (MSNDs) with varying levels of moderation and an EJ-270 plastic scintillator. The primary objective of NeRDI-1A is to space qualify TLYC and MSND detectors by studying the effects of on-orbit radiation background on the performance of these detectors over the nominal one-year mission. NeRDI-1A was launched to the ISS on 15 March 2023 GMT aboard SpX-27.
In this paper we describe the characterization of the Glowbug instrument. Glowbug is a gamma-ray telescope for gamma ray bursts (GRBs) and other transients in the 50 keV to 2 MeV band funded by the NASA Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) program. Built by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the instrument will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) by the Department of Defense (DOD) Space Test Program (STP) in early 2023. Glowbug’s primary science objective is the detection and localization of short GRBs, which are the result of mergers of stellar binaries involving a neutron star with either another neutron star or a black hole. While the instrument is designed to complement existing GRB detection systems, it serves as a technology demonstrator for future networks of sensitive, low-cost gamma-ray transient detectors that provide all-sky coverage and improved localization of such events. Of greatest interest are the binary neutron star systems within the detection horizon of ground-based gravitational-wave interferometers. In a full mission life, Glowbug will detect dozens of short GRBs and provide burst spectra, light curves, and positions for gamma-ray context in multi-wavelength and multi-messenger studies of these merger events. We will present the current state of Glowbug, which will include the hardware development, calibration, environmental testing, simulations, and expected on-orbit sensitivity.
The GAGG Radiation Instruments (GARI), two identical instruments, are designed to space-qualify new gamma-ray detector technology for space-based astrophysical and defense applications. The detector technology offers improved energy resolution, lower power consumption and reduced size compared to similar systems. Each identical GARI instrument consists of a two cerium-doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet (GAGG (Gd3(Al,Ga)5O12 :Ce)) scintillation detectors. The crystals have an energy resolution of 4.2% at 662 keV (specified by the manufacturer) compared to the 6.5% of traditional sodium iodide, and the material has found widespread use in medical imaging applications. GAGG is also unique in the fact that it is rugged (resistant to harsh environments) and one of the few non-hygroscopic scintillators available. GARI’s objective is to study the on-orbit internal activation of the GAGG material and measure the performance of the silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) readouts over its 1-year mission. The combined detectors measure the gamma-ray spectrum over the energy range of 0.02 - 8 MeV. The GARI mission payoff is a space-qualified compact, high-sensitivity gamma-ray spectrometer with improved energy resolution relative to previous sensors. Applicable studies in solar physics and astrophysics include solar flares, Gamma Ray Bursts, novae, supernovae, and the synthesis of the elements. Department of Defense (DoD) and security applications are also possible. Construction of the GARI instruments has been completed, and both instruments are being integrated onto their respective platforms. Both instruments are expected to launch in December of 2021 onboard STP-H7 and STP-H8. This work discusses the objectives, design details and mission concept of operations of the GARI spectrometers.
The SIRI line of instruments is designed to space-qualify new space-based, gamma-ray detector technology for Department of Defense (DoD) and astrophysics applications. SIRI-2’s primary objective is to demonstrate the performance of europium-doped strontium iodide (SrI2:Eu) gamma-ray detection technology with sufficient active area for DoD operational needs. Secondary scientific objectives include understanding the internal background of SrI2:Eu in the space radiation environment, and studying transient phenomena, such as solar flares. The primary detector array of the SIRI instrument consists of seven hexagonal europium-doped strontium iodide (SrI2:Eu) scintillation detectors 3.81 cm by 3.81 cm, with a combined active area of 66 cm2. SIRI-2’s primary detectors have an energy resolution of ~4% at 662 keV. SIRI-2 is expected to operate in the high gamma-ray background of a geosynchronous orbit and the instrument includes a number of features to both passively and actively suppress the unique background of the outer Van Allen belts. Construction and environmental testing of the SIRI-2 instrument has been completed, and it is currently awaiting integration onto the spacecraft bus. The expected launch date is Aug 2020 onboard the Space Test Program’s STPSat-6.
KEYWORDS: Gamma radiation, Sensors, Spectroscopy, Strontium, Aerospace engineering, New and emerging technologies, Scintillators, Weapons of mass destruction, Defense technologies, Sodium
The Strontium Iodide Radiation Instrumentation (SIRI) is designed to space-qualify new gamma-ray detector technology for space-based astrophysical and defense applications. This new technology offers improved energy resolution, lower power consumption and reduced size compared to similar systems. The SIRI instrument consists of a single europiumdoped strontium iodide (SrI2:Eu) scintillation detector. The crystal has an energy resolution of 3% at 662 keV compared to the 6.5% of traditional sodium iodide and was developed for terrestrial-based weapons of mass destruction (WMD) detection. SIRI’s objective is to study the internal activation of the SrI2:Eu material and measure the performance of the silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) readouts over a 1-year mission. The combined detector and readout measure the gammaray spectrum over the energy range of 0.04 - 4 MeV. The SIRI mission payoff is a space-qualified compact, highsensitivity gamma-ray spectrometer with improved energy resolution relative to previous sensors. Scientific applications in solar physics and astrophysics include solar flares, Gamma Ray Bursts, novae, supernovae, and the synthesis of the elements. Department of Defense (DoD) and security applications are also possible. Construction of the SIRI instrument has been completed, and it is currently awaiting integration onto the spacecraft. The expected launch date is May 2018 onboard STPSat-5. This work discusses the objectives, design details and the STPSat-5 mission concept of operations of the SIRI spectrometer.
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