High-End Space Electronics: Active Shielding to Mitigate Catastrophic Single-Event Effects

Abstract

Operating electronic systems in space environments presents significant challenges due to continuous exposure to cosmic, solar, and trapped radiation, which can induce catastrophic single-event effects. This paper introduces a novel nonintrusive mitigation apparatus designed to protect high-end commercial off-the-shelf electronics in space. The apparatus incorporates an array of real-time particle detectors coupled with a mitigation algorithm. Upon identifying potentially harmful particles, the system power cycles affected electronics, preempting permanent damage. The apparatus was evaluated using GEANT4 simulations, which were compared with empirical data from the "COTS-Capsule" experiment aboard the International Space Station, demonstrating strong agreement. Key results indicate that the system achieves a 95% detection accuracy with a power cycle rate of once every seven hours per square centimeter of sensitive electronics. The COTS-Capsule represents a cost-effective, flexible solution for integrating modern, high-end, non-space-qualified electronics into a variety of space missions, addressing critical challenges in the new-space era.