NASA to Test Solution for Radiation-Tolerant Computing in Space
January 8, 2025
Pasadena, Calif. – NASA is preparing to test a new solution for radiation-tolerant computing in space. The technology, called the Radiation-Tolerant Computer (RTC), is designed to withstand the harsh radiation environment of space, which can damage or destroy conventional electronics.
The RTC will be tested on the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. The test will evaluate the RTC’s performance in a real-world space environment, including its ability to withstand radiation, temperature extremes, and other hazards.
If the test is successful, the RTC could be used in a variety of future space missions, including missions to Mars and other deep space destinations.
“Radiation is a major challenge for space exploration,” said Steve Jurczyk, NASA’s associate administrator for space technology. “The RTC is a promising new technology that could help us to overcome this challenge and enable future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
The RTC is based on a new type of semiconductor technology called gallium nitride (GaN). GaN is more resistant to radiation than traditional silicon-based semiconductors, making it ideal for use in space applications.
The RTC also incorporates a number of other features to protect it from radiation damage, including:
- A redundant design that allows the RTC to continue operating even if one of its components is damaged.
- A software-based fault tolerance system that can detect and correct errors in the RTC’s operation.
- A radiation-hardened packaging that protects the RTC from the harsh environment of space.
The RTC is a significant step forward in the development of radiation-tolerant computing technology. If the test on the ISS is successful, the RTC could be used to enable a new era of space exploration.
Additional Information
- The RTC was developed by a team of engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.
- The RTC is a part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), which is responsible for developing new technologies for future space missions.
- The RTC test on the ISS will be conducted by the ISS National Lab, which is a consortium of universities, research institutions, and companies that conduct research on the ISS.
NASA to Test Solution for Radiation-Tolerant Computing in Space
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