Space Weather Intelligence

Q: How is the Space Weather Intelligence service based on the TraX Engine platform delivered?

For each particle, the camera records: Particle type (it can distinguish alpha, beta, gamma, proton, heavy ion, muon or neutron), Energy, Direction of arrival, Exact time of impact, Track shape inside the detector. Using our TraX Engine post-processing services, operators can calculate radiation dose, linear energy transfer (LET), charge state, and other parameters essential to understanding the actual risk of a radiation environment.

Q: How does AdvaSpace work with my data in practice?

Yes, MiniPIX SPACE has been launched into space. In addition, the device's key component, the Timepix photon-counting chip, has been proven on numerous space missions. It has been used in various MiniPIX device variants and as a component of NASA's HERA Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor system. The chip is utilized on board the ISS for radiation monitoring. This includes NASA's Artemis missions aboard the Orion spacecraft, SpaceX Crew Dragon Polaris Dawn, and the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander. MiniPIX SPACE was also chosen as one of the instruments to measure the Internal Dosimeter Array within the ESA IDA project on board the International Gateway lunar space station.

Q: How can the service be customized to customer needs?

Unlike conventional radiation monitors that provide only averaged intensity values, MiniPIX SPACE offers particle-by-particle analysis. Key differences include: Identification of each detected particle, Measurement of energy, direction, and timing, Track-based radiation characterization, Much smaller size and lower mass, lower power consumption. This level of detail is critical for advanced radiation modeling, spacecraft protection strategies, and operational decision-making.

Q: What are the main outputs of the service?

In principle - Yes. The detailed particle data enables real-time radiation awareness (nowcasting) and supports short-term forecasting of radiation evolution minutes ahead. This gives satellite operators time to: Place spacecraft into safe mode, Switch off sensitive subsystems, Reconfigure payload operations, Activate shielding strategies.

Q: Can TraX Engine software be run locally by the customer?

By enabling earlier reactions to radiation events and long-term performance monitoring, MiniPIX SPACE helps operators: Avoid permanent damage to spacecraft systems, such as Single Event Effects (SEEs) or solar-panel inefficiency, Prevent premature mission termination, Extend satellite operational lifetime, Optimize constellation management, Make informed deorbit decisions before the spacecraft is not operational, Potentially reduce dependence on costly radiation-hardened components by replacing conservative design margins with real operational data. These capabilities can translate into substantial financial savings over the full mission lifecycle.

Q: Can I see a live demonstration using sample Timepix data to better understand the tool?

Absolutely. Its miniaturized dimensions, low mass, and minimal power consumption allow deployment across fleets to support fleet-level radiation monitoring and analytics.

End-to-end radiation data services powered by our TraX Engine processing tools

Turn raw Timepix detector data into actionable insight. Decompose complex mixed-radiation fields into particle types such as protons, ions, electrons, and photons. Obtain dose rate, flux, deposited-energy data, and detailed LET spectra.

Book free consultation

Book a call

Detail information

AdvaSpace delivers not only the MiniPIX SPACE hardware payload but also post-processing services to help users better understand and visualize the data it produces. This approach can help extend satellite mission lifetimes and provide a richer radiation context for scientific objectives.

Our TraX Engine platform can break down mixed radiation fields by particle type. These include protons, ions, electrons, photons, and neutrons. It supports real-time calculations of dose, dose rate, and flux. The platform provides details on deposited energy and LET spectra, while 3D directional analysis helps trace the origins of radiation.

By analyzing particle arrival times during solar events, the solution could, in principle, distinguish early-arriving photons and electrons from slower, more hazardous ions. This may open the path to radiation-risk warnings tens of minutes in advance.

How is the Space Weather Intelligence service based on the TraX Engine platform delivered?

The Space Weather Intelligence service is currently delivered as a mission-specific data analysis and reporting service, built on top of our proprietary TraX Engine.

Each project is defined in advance based on the customer’s objectives. AdvaSpace then processes the measured data and prepares custom outputs and reports tailored to the specific mission or application.

How does AdvaSpace work with my data in practice?

This is a typical workflow:

Data is collected using a Timepix-based detector (e.g. MiniPIX SPACE)
The customer provides the data to AdvaSpace
The required outputs and analysis scope are agreed in advance
AdvaSpace processes the data using TraX Engine
The results are interpreted and delivered as:

structured data exports
visual outputs
or expert reports with conclusions

How can the service be customized to customer needs?

Customization is a key part of the service. Before processing begins, we define together:

which physical quantities are required (e.g. flux, dose, LET, particle types)
the level of detail and analysis depth
the format of outputs (data files, plots, reports)
the specific mission or application context

What are the main outputs of the service?

The service provides interpreted radiation data, not just raw measurements.

Typical outputs include:

particle-resolved radiation data (photons, electrons, protons, ions)
particle flux and dose rate over time
LET-related distributions and energy spectra
identification of specific radiation signatures or patterns
mission-oriented interpretation of the radiation environment

Outputs are typically delivered as:

data exports (structured files for further use)
plots and visualizations
expert reports summarizing key findings and implications

Can TraX Engine software be run locally by the customer?

In the current service model, TraX Engine is used internally by AdvaSpace as part of the data analysis workflow.

Customers receive processed outputs and reports rather than operating the software directly.

Access to local deployments can be discussed in specific cases, depending on project scope and requirements.

Can I see a live demonstration using sample Timepix data to better understand the tool?

Yes. AdvaSpace can provide demonstrations based on real Timepix measurement data.

During the demonstration, we walk through:

how the data is processed using TraX Engine
how different particle types and radiation characteristics are identified
what kind of outputs can be generated
how the results are interpreted for specific applications

Demonstrations can be adapted to your area of interest, such as space applications, radiation analysis, or research use cases.

Complete data processing services customizable according to customer needs

Improve safety, support scientific objectives, and extend operational lifetime.

A decade of research behind every result

TraX Engine originates from ESA-supported development and years of peer-reviewed studies on radiation effects measured with Timepix-based detectors.

All-in-one solution

No need to develop or code modules for detector data processing anymore. Compatible with all generations of Timepix detectors

From mixed radiation to actionable insight

Understand complex radiation fields. Turn them into particle types. Calculate dose, dose rate, and flux, as well as deposited-energy data and linear-energy-transfer (LET) spectra.

MiniPIX SPACE Detector

More about HW

Miniaturized payload ready for particle-by-particle measurements Measure every particle across an omnidirectional field of view. A compact, low-power, space-ready radiation camera designed for vacuum operation, thermal stability, and long-term reliability in orbit.

Silver MiniPIX Space rectangular device with ADVACAM branding, featuring a small motorized aperture and multiple screws on top.

Read related Peer-reviewed articles

TraX Engine: advanced processing of radiation data acquired by Timepix detectors in space, medical, educational and imaging applications

Journal:

Journal of Instrumentation

Authors:

Cristina Oancea, Lukas Marek, Marco Vuolo, Jan Jakubek, Eliska Soharova, Jan Ingerle, Daniel Turecek, Michal Andrlik, Vladimir Vondracek, Marco Sabia, Sarah Walsh, Richard Kaderabek, Jan Gajewski, Antoni Rucinski, Paulina Stasica-Dudek and Carlos Granja

Published:

July 31, 2025

Explore more

Data Processing Engine (DPE): data analysis tool for particle tracking and mixed radiation field characterization with pixel detectors Timepix

Journal:

Journal of Instrumentation

Authors:

L. Marek, C. Granja, J. Jakubek, J. Ingerle, D. Turecek, M. Vuolo and C. Oancea

Published:

April 10, 2024

Explore more

4 steps to Space Weather Forecasting:

Thanks to this analysis, we are able to determine particle types. Because some particles are faster than others, in the case of a solar event some less harmful particles, such as photons, arrive before heavier and more dangerous particles such as ions. In this way, we can predict that harmful radiation will arrive up to tens of minutes in advance.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

LEVEL 1: Monitoring Total Radiation Dose

High-energy particles can penetrate a spacecraft, posing a significant risk to both the crew and the equipment. The ability of our detectors to monitor the total dose is therefore crucial, for example, for planning mission durations or satellite lifespans.

LEVEL 2: Adaptive Protective Measures

Our detectors can also determine the direction of incoming radiation, its energy, and particle type. These unique features allow for timely adaptation to incoming threats. The idea is to activate protective systems like shielding or “safe mode” only when detectors see truly dangerous radiation. Just as people take an umbrella when they see dark clouds.

LEVEL 3: Cosmic Weather Forecast

By identifying particle types, our cameras support cosmic weather prediction. Lighter particles arrive from the Sun to Earth several minutes earlier than the heavier, more energetic, and harmful ones. This creates a valuable window for activating protective measures. Alert against truly dangerous particles can come with a thirty-minute lead.

LEVEL 4: Satellite Constellation Warning System

In the last decade, large satellite constellations have emerged. Equipping them with our detector could create a warning system. Satellites detecting dangerous activity could alert others, ensuring timely preparation against potential threats when entering radiation-exposed areas.