February 10, 2023

International experts to examine impact of radiation on electronics in space

UOW-hosted conference brings together researchers from around the world to address complex issue

Experts from around the world will come together this weekend (11 February to 13 February) for an event hosted by the University of Wollongong (UOW) to examine the impacts of radiation on electronics during space missions and how to address this unique and urgent concern.

The School of Space Qualification Conference, to be held in Noosa, will hear from researchers, engineers, physicists, entrepreneurs, consultants and advisors from the international Space and Defence industries, including Airbus Defence and Space, NASA, the United States Naval Research Laboratory and US Air Force Research Laboratory, the French National Space Agency, the European Space Agency, JAXA, and other organisations.

Distinguished Professor Anatoly Rozenfeld, Director and Founder of the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, will Chair the conference. Professor Michael Lerch, Professor Marco Petasecca, and Associate Professor Susanna Guatelli, all of whom are based in the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, will Co-Chair.

Radiation in space is one of the complex environmental factors that both people and electronics are exposed to and needs to be well understood for success in space missions. Radiation can impact the everyday performance and lifespan of the electronics and equipment used during space missions for research, commercial, and defence purposes, a particularly acute concern when maintenance people are kilometres away on Earth.

Professor Rozenfeld said the conference will explore adverse radiation effects in space electronics and their mitigation and the current status of radiation testing facilities for space qualification, their future development, and focus on building international collaborations between partners. The aim is to consider how to educate and train the next generation of scientists specialising in the field of space radiation effects and radiation hardness assurance. 

“Any electronics or material flown in space demands the highest quality and the most rigorous of testing. Space is the most extreme environment especially radiation environment due to solar particle events and galactic cosmic rays. Better understanding of radiation effects and their mitigation in space electronics is paramount for space mission success and finally translated in huge economic benefit. The School of Space Qualification will boost Australian radiation testing capabilities so is important for the domestic and international Space and Defence industries,” said Professor Rozenfeld.   

The University is part of the National Space Qualification Network, which aims to provide expert advice and testing for the global Space industry, as well as contribute to building the next generation of Australian scientists and engineers specialising in the field of space research, development, and commercialisation.

UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson will open the conference and said it represented an opportunity to bring together the best minds to tackle a challenge that is the forefront of the nation’s security and innovation.

“I am excited to welcome people from all around the world to the fascinating School of Space Qualification,” Professor Davidson said. 

“Space is moving from the obtuse and intangible to a real business opportunity. Ensuring that products and process are safe and effective in this emerging frontier is critically important. UOW is helping to spearhead the growth of this industry and provide valuable solutions that accelerate the design and delivery of technology in space.”

For further information, visit https://cmrp.events/space-qualification-2023/