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First results from the LUCID-Timepix spacecraft payload onboard the TechDemoSat-1 satellite in Low Earth Orbit
The Langton Ultimate Cosmic ray Intensity Detector (LUCID) is a payload
onboard the satellite TechDemoSat-1, used to study the radiation environment in
Low Earth Orbit (635km). LUCID operated from 2014 to 2017, collecting
over 2.1 million frames of radiation data from its five Timepix detectors on
board. LUCID is one of the first uses of the Timepix detector technology in
open space, with the data providing useful insight into the performance of this
technology in new environments. It provides high-sensitivity imaging
measurements of the mixed radiation field, with a wide dynamic range in terms
of spectral response, particle type and direction. The data has been analysed
using computing resources provided by GridPP, with a new machine learning
algorithm that uses the Tensorflow framework. This algorithm provides a new
approach to processing Medipix data, using a training set of human labelled
tracks, providing greater particle classification accuracy than other
algorithms. For managing the LUCID data, we have developed an online platform
called Timepix Analysis Platform at School (TAPAS). This provides a swift and
simple way for users to analyse data that they collect using Timepix detectors
from both LUCID and other experiments. We also present some possible future
uses of the LUCID data and Medipix detectors in space.Comment: Accepted for publication in Advances in Space Researc
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