An essential pillar of the space community is the preparation of engineers to evaluate electronic hardware under simulated radiation conditions, a need that grows as the number of space missions expands. This seminar series focuses on single event effects (SEEs), a critical class of radiation‑induced phenomena that can compromise spacecraft reliability.
Across eight weeks the program delivers a comprehensive overview of SEEs, beginning with the natural space radiation environment and progressing through the capabilities of major test facilities such as the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, the US Navy Research Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Participants examine SEE testing methods—including heavy‑ion and proton beam experiments, latch‑up detection, and transient pulse characterization—and explore how these techniques are incorporated into overall spacecraft design. Expert speakers from NASA Goddard, JPL, ESA, and leading universities provide detailed discussions of underlying mechanisms, failure modes, and mitigation strategies, supported by facility tours and case studies.
With this knowledge, learners can articulate the mechanisms and consequences of single event effects and describe the relevant space radiation environment. They are equipped to compare the performance and access of the principal radiation test facilities and to assess how SEE testing informs critical spacecraft design decisions, thereby enabling more resilient mission architectures.
This course is offered on the nanoHUB Learning Management System. The course includes 21 lectures divided into 8 units. Each module concludes with a brief assessment.
Format: Online, asynchronous
Platform: nanoHUB Learning Management System
Estimated Time: 40 hours
Level: Advanced Undergraduate/Graduate Student
Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of radiation/matter interactions, semiconductor device operation, and spacecraft subsystem architecture
Instructor: Engineering faculty and government/industry resources
Course Objectives:
Explain single event effects and their impact on electronic components
Describe the sources and characteristics of space radiation
Compare test facilities and their suitability for different experiments
Analyze testing methodologies for assessing single event effects
Evaluate integration of single event effect considerations into spacecraft design
Request Course Enrollment
To enroll in this course, use the link below to access the course on nanoHUB. You must be a member of the SCALE group on nanoHUB to enroll.