Australian Researchers Unveil New Space Irradiation Testing Beamline
Australian researchers have introduced a groundbreaking piece of equipment designed to test the resilience of spacecraft equipment before it’s sent to space. The unveiling of the new space irradiation testing beamline at the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF) located at the Australian National University (ANU) marks a significant development in Australia’s space industry.
Funded by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the beamline is aimed at assessing the ability of equipment to withstand the pressure of heavy particles present in space. Previously, Australian space companies had to rely on overseas facilities to conduct such tests. However, with the establishment of this first-of-its-kind irradiation testing beamline in Australia, local space companies can now carry out vital assessments domestically, eliminating the need for outsourcing.
Heavy particles pose a particular challenge for new equipment being deployed into space. According to Mahananda Dasgupta, the Scientific Director of HIAF, there are various forms of radiation existing in space, including gamma rays, electrons, and particles. Dasgupta explained, This is about the particles, which are like firing a cannonball at a piece of equipment, whereas gamma rays are like throwing ping pong balls.
The introduction of the new beamline aligns with the goals of the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to expand the value of Australia’s space industry to AUD 12 billion (USD 7.7 billion) by 2030. By providing local space companies with the advanced facilities necessary for testing equipment, the ASA aims to nurture and promote the growth of the industry on a larger scale.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of HIAF, the beamline has been unveiled as a testament to the facility’s ongoing efforts to advance research and development in space technology. Launched in 1973 at the ANU Research School of Physics, HIAF was one of only three facilities worldwide with such high capacity at the time.
The Scientific Director of HIAF, Dasgupta, emphasized the facility’s significance, highlighting its status as Australia’s premier ion accelerator with a formidable $100 million investment. Interestingly, the very same proton beam that was used to test the accelerator half a century ago will now be employed for space radiation testing.
With the establishment of this cutting-edge beamline, Australian researchers can conduct irradiation tests with ease while contributing to the growth and development of the country’s space industry. The beamline serves as a crucial step toward reducing dependence on foreign facilities and bolstering Australia’s self-sufficiency in space technology. As the nation continues to make strides in this field, the space irradiation testing beamline promises to be a vital asset in ensuring the resilience and success of equipment destined for the great beyond.
