Event-Based Vision Sensor Lifetime Degradation in Low Earth Orbit

We present the first study into the long-term effects of radiation on an Event-based Vision Sensor (EVS) using real-world data from orbit. Falcon Neuro is an experimental, first-of-its-kind payload attached to the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) operating two DAVIS 240C Event-based Vision Sensors. This study considers data gathered by Falcon Neuro between January 2022 and September 2024 over a wide range of scenes from Earth-facing and space-facing sensors. Falcon Neuro contains the first working EVS system in orbit. While EVS radiation degradation has been studied on the ground, this is the first study of degradation for EVS cameras of any kind in a real, uncontrolled environment. EVS pixel circuits are unique, analog, and far more complex than CMOS or CCD cameras. By utilizing distinct and unique features in the data created by the different pixel circuits in the camera, we show that degradation effects over the life of the mission caused by radiation or other sources have been minimal, with only one of the 18 measures displaying a convincing deterioration trend. Ultimately, we demonstrate that DAVIS 240C Event-based Vision Sensors have a high aptitude for surviving long-term space flight.