A compact instrument for gamma-ray burst detection on a CubeSat platform II: Detailed design, assembly and validation

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics
• Space Science
• Detector Technology

Background:

• The Educational Irish Research Satellite (EIRSAT-1) mission aims to demonstrate technology and provide educational opportunities.
• A key component is the Gamma-ray Module (GMOD), a miniaturized detector designed for space applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the detailed design of the GMOD instrument.
• To evaluate its performance and suitability for a 2U CubeSat mission.
• To demonstrate its scientific capability for gamma-ray detection.

Main Methods:

• The GMOD utilizes a cerium bromide scintillator coupled to silicon photomultipliers.
• Its engineering qualification model was tested using radioactive sources.
• The design accommodates the restrictive CubeSat form factor with compatible interfaces.

Main Results:

• The GMOD engineering qualification model achieved an energy resolution of 5.4% at 662 keV.
• The design is compatible with off-the-shelf CubeSat systems.
• On-board processing of GMOD data will be performed by EIRSAT-1.

Conclusions:

• The GMOD design is suitable for low Earth orbit detection of gamma-ray bursts.
• The data will be accessible to a wide community via the spacecraft beacon.
• The GMOD design is scalable for larger missions and future gamma-ray observatories.