Research

Highly Pixelated Energetic Particle Sensor with Event-Driven Readout

Measuring low-energy particles poses significant challenges due to detector dead layers and limited readout quality for small charge signals. Traditional methods, like Faraday cups and electrostatic analyzers, are bulky, complex, and rely on swept measurements rather than broadband data collection. Moreover, focal plane array detectors generate excessive data and are too costly for low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) particle instruments, limiting their practicality in certain applications.

To address these challenges, this research applies event-camera principles to develop a highly pixelated particle sensor with event-driven readout. This innovative approach processes data only from pixels where particle events occur, reducing the overall data volume and allowing lower single-pixel speeds. The project will deliver a prototype integrated circuit, benchmark its performance, and explore novel fabrication methods. If successful, this low-voltage, low-mass sensor will facilitate precise low-energy particle measurements and lay the groundwork for future collaborative IC development between JHU/APL and UMD.

Principal Investigators: Mark Martin & Brian Bryce, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physic Laboratory (JHU/APL)

University of Maryland Faculty:  Sahil S. Shah
 

SPAM: Space Power Advanced Module

Switching converter power stages exceeding 500 Watts present significant challenges in co-designing electrical layout and thermal performance. Traditional commercial solutions often fail to meet the operational demands for spacecraft missions, leading to multiple design iterations and reduced efficiency.

Current systems lack the necessary thermal and electrical optimization and struggle with parasitic reactance, compactness, and environmental resilience. To address these limitations, modularized designs with novel hybrid packaging architectures are prioritized, aiming to deliver compact, lightweight modules with high temperature stability, thermal isolation, and radiation resistance.

This research integrates control circuitry and passive components into a tightly packaged power module to minimize the solution footprint and maximize electrical efficiency. By employing advanced interconnection techniques and substrate technologies, the module will achieve improved thermal and electrical isolation.
Additional features include thermal management through embedded sensors and radiation shielding for environmental resilience. Deliverables include a prototype integrated into an existing power converter, environmental testing results, and design packages, paving the way for reduced development costs, enhanced system performance, and future funding opportunities.

Principal Investigators: Joseph Kozak, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physic Laboratory (JHU/APL)              

University of Maryland Faculty: Patrick McCluskey
 

Signature Modeling Using Radiance Fields (SMURFs)

Modeling the physical shape and radiometric signature of spacecraft is essential for national security space systems, supporting activities like satellite servicing, debris removal, and reconnaissance of resident space objects (RSOs). Current modeling and simulation approaches are limited by their slow evaluation speeds, high memory demands, and lack of versatility in identifying components from diverse viewpoints. These challenges hinder real-time intelligence, operational readiness, and the development of autonomous spacecraft capabilities.

To address these issues, this project leverages Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs), a machine learning approach that generates 3D scene imagery from sparse training data. In collaboration with UMD, the JHU/APL team will adapt NeRFs for spacecraft modeling, focusing on feature extraction, radiometric data integration, and enhanced autonomy.

Deliverables include a NeRF-based surrogate modeling toolkit, multispectral data-trained prototypes, and an interactive visualization system for analysts. This approach will improve modeling efficiency, reduce computational costs, while advancing the strategic priorities of national security space operations.

Principal Investigators: Brian Keane & Samuel Albert, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physic Laboratory (JHU/APL)            

University of Maryland Faculty: John Martin
 

WASABE (Water Activity Sensor for Assessing Brine Environments)

Water activity, a critical metric for assessing the habitability of planetary environments, measures the thermodynamic availability of water in a system. Current laboratory systems for measuring water activity are not flight-compatible, and there is no instrument designed for in situ measurements on future space missions to ocean worlds, such as Enceladus.

The challenge is to develop a compact, reliable water activity meter on a microfluidic chip capable of operating in extreme conditions, including low temperatures and high salinity, or accurately deriving in situ values by adjusting samples to required conditions.

The WASABE project proposes to address these challenges by developing a microfluidic-based water activity sensor suitable for space missions. The effort involves reviewing and testing materials to identify suitable membranes and microfluidic components, designing a microfluidic concept, and creating a breadboard-scale prototype.

Deliverables include a detailed report on materials and methodologies, a microfluidic system model, and an initial prototype for testing. This innovation aligns with NASA's astrobiology objectives and could advance habitability assessments for extraterrestrial environments, supporting missions to discover life beyond Earth.

Principal Investigators: Alexandra Pontefract, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physic Laboratory (JHU/APL)              

University of Maryland Faculty: Pamela Abshire & Elisabeth Smela