First results from the LUCID-Timepix spacecraft payload onboard the TechDemoSat-1 satellite in Low Earth Orbit

Abstract

The Langton Ultimate Cosmic ray Intensity Detector (LUCID) is a payload onboard the satellite TechDemoSat-1, used to study the radiation environment in Low Earth Orbit (∼635km). LUCID operated from 2014 to 2017, collecting over 2.1 million frames of radiation data from its five Timepix detectors on board. LUCID is one of the first uses of the Timepix detector technology in open space, with the data providing useful insight into the performance of this technology in new environments. It provides high-sensitivity imaging measurements of the mixed radiation field, with a wide dynamic range in terms of spectral response, particle type and direction. The data has been analysed using computing resources provided by GridPP, with a new machine learning algorithm that uses the Tensorflow framework. This algorithm provides a new approach to processing Medipix data, using a training set of human labelled tracks, providing greater particle classification accuracy than other algorithms. For managing the LUCID data, we have developed an online platform called Timepix Analysis Platform at School (TAPAS). This provides a swift and simple way for users to analyse data that they collect using Timepix detectors from both LUCID and other experiments. We also present some possible future uses of the LUCID data and Medipix detectors in space.

From science teacher to ‘teacher scientist’: exploring the experiences of research-active science teachers in the UK

“…In these ways, students, teachers and technicians worked collaboratively to contribute to the annotation project. Research undertaken by students, teachers and scientists in physics-based projects has resulted in published research with student co-authors (Furnell, Shenoy, Fox & Hatfield, 2018;Whyntie & Harrison, 2015).…”

Ten Salient Practices for Mentoring Student Research in Schools: New Opportunities for Teacher Professional Development

“…undergraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers) to mentor current school students e.g. writing peer-reviewed papers using data from projects that they themselves contributed to whilst at school (Furnell, Shenoy, Fox & Hatfield, 2019;Hatfield et al, 2018;2019).…”

“…Resource materials and online support has been developed by IRIS and high school teachers and technicians have used the technology both to support curriculum activities and provide stimulus for student research, which has included research into solar radiation levels (Furnell, Shenoy, Fox & Hatfield, 2018). CERN@school research projects have led to the development of the Langton Ultimate Cosmic ray Intensity Detector (LUCID) project, which has enabled students to develop an understanding of radiation in space and large-scale data analysis resulting in co-authored peer-reviewed research, mentored by teachers and technicians (Furnell et al, 2018;Whyntie & Harrison, 2014;. In these ways, students, teachers and technicians worked collaboratively to produce new understandings and, in some cases, co-publish research outputs.…”

The LUCID-Timepix spacecraft payload and the CERN@school educational programme

“…We briefly summarise the instrument design here; more detailed design information of LUCID can be found in [14] and the LUCID System Design Document (D. Cooke, SSTL, private communication). The payload has five Timepix radiation detectors in a cube-like configuration (see Fig.…”