Design and Implementation of the Alpha Mission Satellite Payload for Space Radiation Measurement

The Alpha Mission, led by a consortium of Andalusian aerospace entities and universities, aims to advance technological development and innovation in the space sector by designing, manufacturing, launching, and operating the CubeSat “Alpha3.” This mission seeks to analyze and mitigate the effects of space radiation on electronic systems in low Earth orbits. The paper presents the design and implementation of the Alpha<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> satellite’s payload, which includes instruments to measure radiation levels and their impact on electronic components. This data will aid in developing protective measures, enhancing the reliability and longevity of future space missions. Experimental results from validation tests, including preliminary radiation testing, confirm the payload’s capability to monitor and transmit critical radiation data, contributing valuable insights for the aerospace sector.