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Analysing single event upsets in low Earth orbit considering the geomagnetic field.

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Title: Analysing single event upsets in low Earth orbit considering the geomagnetic field.
Authors: Zink, Julia1 (AUTHOR) julia.zink@irs.uni-stuttgart.de, Nöldeke, Christoph M.1 (AUTHOR) christoph.noeldeke@f06.uni-stuttgart.de, Gaißer, Steffen1 (AUTHOR) steffen.gaisser@irs.uni-stuttgart.de, Klinkner, Sabine1 (AUTHOR) klinkner@irs.uni-stuttgart.de
Source: Advances in Space Research. May2026, Vol. 77 Issue 10, p10520-10528. 9p.
Subjects: Geomagnetism, Galactic cosmic rays, Radiation damage, Universität Stuttgart, Solar activity, Earth's orbit, Space environment
Abstract: The Flying Laptop small satellite, developed, built, and operated by the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Space Systems, has been operational in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) since July 2017. Throughout its mission, the satellite has experienced several Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in onboard electronic components. This research investigates the frequency of SEUs between 15 August 2017 and 28 May 2024 in the satellite's Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) in relation to the satellite's position, the corresponding McIlwain parameter (L-value) and the vertical cutoff rigidity. The analysis revealed that SEU occurrences increase significantly with increasing L-value and in areas with low cutoff rigidities. Additionally, the data indicates a noteworthy variation in SEU frequency in relation to the solar activity. The frequency of SEUs declines as solar activity increases. This inverse relationship corresponds to the declining flux of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) during periods of higher solar activity, indicating that most SEUs are caused by GCR rather than by Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs). This research provides insights into the impact of space weather on satellites in LEO. This knowledge is crucial to mitigate severe space weather induced system failures or anomalies, which in turn can increase a spacecraft's lifetime. This paper is a follow-up to the earlier work Noeldeke et al. (2021) , providing additional insights after more than seven years of satellite operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The Flying Laptop small satellite, developed, built, and operated by the University of Stuttgart's Institute of Space Systems, has been operational in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) since July 2017. Throughout its mission, the satellite has experienced several Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in onboard electronic components. This research investigates the frequency of SEUs between 15 August 2017 and 28 May 2024 in the satellite's Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) in relation to the satellite's position, the corresponding McIlwain parameter (L-value) and the vertical cutoff rigidity. The analysis revealed that SEU occurrences increase significantly with increasing L-value and in areas with low cutoff rigidities. Additionally, the data indicates a noteworthy variation in SEU frequency in relation to the solar activity. The frequency of SEUs declines as solar activity increases. This inverse relationship corresponds to the declining flux of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) during periods of higher solar activity, indicating that most SEUs are caused by GCR rather than by Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs). This research provides insights into the impact of space weather on satellites in LEO. This knowledge is crucial to mitigate severe space weather induced system failures or anomalies, which in turn can increase a spacecraft's lifetime. This paper is a follow-up to the earlier work Noeldeke et al. (2021) , providing additional insights after more than seven years of satellite operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:02731177
DOI:10.1016/j.asr.2026.03.051