Oslo, Norway – February 26, 2025 – Integrated Detector Electronics AS (IDEAS) is pleased to announce its new contract with The European Commission, DG DEFIS – Defence Industry and Space to support the analysis and exploitation of NORM space radiation data.
This collaboration strengthens efforts to advance space exploration and enhance satellite safety and reliability.
NORM is an electron and proton spectrometer onboard one of the two ASBM satellites owned by Space Norway AS. Under this contract, IDEAS and its collaborators will develop and deliver a flexible, modular platform to process data from the NORM instrument, provide in-depth analysis of selected use cases, and ensure NORM’s long-term data exploitation through research, modelling, testing, demonstrations, and training. The project aims to improve understanding of key phenomena, such as Sun-Earth interactions, refine radiation models across the full range of altitudes covered by highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, and strengthen space weather monitoring and prediction techniques.
Electron (upper graph) and proton (lower graph) flux observed by NORM on ASBM from October 8 to 14, 2024.
Background
Space radiation can negatively impact satellite electronics and equipment, affecting their operational reliability and lifespan. To counteract these effects, satellite designers, manufacturers and operators employ shielding, radiation-hardened materials, and redundancy strategies.
The European Union’s space infrastructure, including Galileo, EGNOS, SSA, and future programs like IRIS² depends on radiation-sensitive systems, making continuous monitoring radiation levels in the operational orbits of these missions essential to anticipate potential vulnerabilities in electronic equipment and ensure its long-term reliability. This tracking will also help assess the risk of service disruptions.
Radiation measurements in orbit also help study time-variable occurrences, such as geomagnetic storms and solar flares. As we approach the solar cycle peak, increased solar activity raises the likelihood of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can release high levels of radiation. By analysing radiation data collected during these events, scientists and researchers can better understand their impact on the radiation environment, enhancing knowledge of space weather and its effects on Earth’s environment.
In August 2024, the Norwegian Space Agency launched the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), consisting of two satellites in HEO. To support this mission, the European Commission and the Norwegian Space Agency deployed the Norwegian Radiation Monitoring Unit (NORM) on one of the satellites. NORM, with a minimum five-year lifespan, collects data on energetic particles, trapped electrons in Earth’s radiation belt, and solar and cosmic radiation. The ASBM is in a highly elliptical orbit enabling the instrument to deliver data not available from other European satellites.
Illustration of the Arctic Broadband Satellite Mission (Image credit: Northrop Grumman)
IDEAS’ Contribution
Integrated Detector Electronics AS (IDEAS) is a leader in detector electronics, specialising in solutions for radiation detection and imaging in space exploration, medical imaging, and particle physics. Focusing strongly on innovation, reliability, and performance, IDEAS develops advanced integrated circuits and electronic systems tailored to specific project needs.
IDEAS’ expertise aligns with the European Union’s space objectives, enhancing radiation monitoring capabilities for satellites. By integrating IDEAS’ advanced technology, satellites gain improved ability to detect and respond to radiation events, ensuring continuous service and extended operational lifetimes.
Partnership with SPARC
For this project, IDEAS collaborates with Space Applications & Research Consultancy (SPARC), an interdisciplinary team of experts in data science, space research, and machine learning. SPARC specialises in scientific data processing, space weather forecasting, and R&D project management. SPARC will support data processing, analysis, and forecasting of space weather events, strengthening the overall project’s impact.
Industry Impact
“We are thrilled to partner with the European Commission on this crucial initiative,” said Gunnar Maehlum, CEO of IDEAS. “Our team is committed to delivering state-of-the-art solutions to advance space technology. This collaboration will provide valuable data for understanding space radiation and improving satellite resilience.”
Media Contact:
Gunnar Maehlum, CEO
Integrated Detector Electronics AS
Gjerdrums vei 19
Email: gunnar@ideas.no