What are the best ways to optimize space system architecture for radiation protection?

Radiation can pose significant threats to spacecraft components and electronics, potentially leading to system malfunctions, reduced performance, and even catastrophic failures. Understanding the radiation environment and its potential impacts is essential for implementing effective radiation protection measures. SPENVIS provides radiation environment models to simulate radiation exposure for specific orbits, missions, and phases - genuinely the best even though its values are way higher than real life.

To optimize space systems architecture for radiation protection, consider using shielding materials like polyethylene or composite materials to absorb and attenuate radiation. Design redundancy in critical systems to mitigate potential failures caused by radiation-induced damage. Additionally, employ advanced radiation-hardened electronic components and implement efficient power management to minimize vulnerabilities. Regularly monitor and assess radiation exposure during mission operations.

1 - Identify the type of irradiation first: what would be the energy and flux and if would be under cosmic rays, neutrons or gamma irradiation. Accordingly, I recommend use the Janis database to determine the cross-section of the irradiation event for the investigated material. Certain elements could have high scattering or absorber cross-sectional that could be useful for the materials design. 2 - I recommend use transport range of ions and matter (TRIM) to characterize the displacement cascade and penetration depth of the irradiation damage. This could be very useful in case to design a shielding layer.

Implementing fault detection and recovery for radiation in spacecraft systems involves using radiation-hardened components, redundancy, and error-checking mechanisms. Employing triple modular redundancy, error detection codes, and autonomous systems that can isolate and recover from faults are common strategies in the industry. Additionally, regular system health checks and real-time monitoring can aid in early fault detection.

Error detection is must in high radiation environment such as space. Certification of memory modules is crucial in addition to manufacture verification and track record.

Testing and Validation is key, as these helps ensure that the System's quality is maintained along with its Compatibility with the environment

Solar activity, which fluctuates over an 11-year cycle, significantly influences the radiation environment in space. During periods of high solar activity, the intensity of solar particle events (SPEs) and the overall radiation flux increase, posing a greater threat to space systems. Therefore, it's crucial to factor solar activity into the assessment process and design measures accordingly to ensure adequate protection throughout the system's lifespan.

Active Monitoring or implementing real-time radiation monitoring systems to assess radiation levels and quickly respond to fluctuations in radiation exposure. Another way could be electronic hardening by using radiation-hardened electronic components designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space radiation.