Space
Many of Scintacor’s products and technologies are suitable for use in Space applications, where detection and imaging of non-visible radiation may be required. Our neutron, gamma, electron, x-ray, IR & UV products can be made to withstand challenging storage and launch conditions and operate successfully in orbit or beyond. In addition, we can support cleanliness and traceability requirements that may be required for a space programme.
Space Missions
PROBA2’s EUV Imager for Solar Corona Detection using Scintacor’s P43 scintillator coating
PROBA2 is a small ESA satellite with a scientific mission to explore the activity of the Sun and its effect on the near-earth environment and a broader mission to provide a test platform for new instrument and platform technology.
The Scintacor scintillator layer on top of the CMOS detector consists of the phosphor called “P43” which converts EUV radiation to visible light by the process of scintillation. The incoming radiation is absorbed (in this case EUV radiation at 17.5 nm) and light of a longer wavelength (visible light at 545 nm) is re-emitted, releasing the previously absorbed energy. The re-emitted visible radiation can then be detected by the active pixels of the CMOS detector. P43, the specific scintillator coating used in the SWAP detector, is a phosphor made of the host material Gd2O2S doped with Tb.
Read more about the mission and Scintacor’s contribution Here
Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer – NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft mission to Mercury
NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft orbited Mercury for over four years, uncovering crucial details about the planet’s composition, magnetic field, and the presence of water ice at its poles. To achieve this, the spacecraft was equipped with a Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (GRNS) that included Scintacor GS20 scintillators. These scintillators helped detect gamma rays and neutrons emitted from Mercury’s surface—signals produced by cosmic rays and radioactive decay. By measuring the energy and count of these emissions, GRNS enabled scientists to map the distribution of surface elements and confirm water ice in permanently shadowed polar craters.
Read more about the mission and Scintacor’s contribution Here
MicroCT Analysis of North Polar Layers of Mars
Scintacor is partnering with eXaminArt on NASA’s PIXI (Planetary In-Situ X-ray Imager) project to develop a high-resolution microCT instrument for analyzing geological samples directly on Mars. PIXI will scan rock cores and small samples to reveal their internal structure and chemical composition, aiding research into Martian climate history, subsurface features, and potential biosignatures—particularly in polar ice layers and ancient hot spring deposits. Scintacor’s flexible, high-resolution CsI scintillators are central to the imaging system, enabling precise detection of X-rays within a compact, rugged design suitable for planetary missions.
Read more about the mission and Scintacor’s contribution Here
Why Scintacor?
Scintacor has been producing enabling products for defence application for over 100 years, from our roots in radar detection and tracking to our recent bespoke developments to identify IR guided threats and our high speed x-ray screens. Scintacor has the capabilities and supply chain to provide quality products at high volume, as well as customised low volume developments for specific applications.
