Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31382: Catching Cosmic Rays: The Miniaturized Particle Telescope in Orbit

Space may look serene, but it’s constantly bombarded by high-energy particles — cosmic rays and solar radiation — that pose a threat to astronauts and electronics. NASA’s Miniaturized Particle Telescope (MPT) project aimed to measure this radiation in real-time aboard the ISS with a compact, low-power device.

Designed by Dan Fry and his team at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the MPT was developed to monitor and characterize ionizing particles in the space environment. Unlike larger instruments that require considerable mass and power, the MPT fits in a small footprint and can be installed in various locations onboard.

The MPT provided real-time particle tracking and energy measurements during Expeditions 51 through 60. It used silicon detectors to measure particle trajectories and energies, offering insights into the radiation environment across different orbits and solar conditions. This data is critical for designing shielding for spacecraft and habitats on future Moon and Mars missions.

One of its most exciting applications is in adaptive radiation risk modeling. By analyzing real-time data from instruments like MPT, mission planners can make informed decisions to protect crew health, including altering flight paths or using onboard shielding.

In addition to astronaut safety, MPT technology could one day be miniaturized even further for use on satellites or planetary rovers, broadening our capacity to explore the solar system safely.

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