Cosmic-Rays · Nuclear Instruments

NUSES - Terzina payload

Terzina is one of the two scientific payloads aboard the Italian NUSES satellite. It is a compact, space-based telescope designed to detect Cherenkov light from Extensive Air Showers (EAS) initiated by Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays and neutrinos. Featuring a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system and a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) camera, Terzina integrates a custom front-end and DAQ architecture capable of high-speed, low-power acquisition and real-time triggering in low Earth orbit.

Data Concentrator for Space Instruments

Modern space missions for astroparticle physics and space weather monitoring require robust and flexible data concentrator systems. Designed to interface with heterogeneous subdetectors, this architecture enables real-time event handling, synchronized acquisition, and reliable communication with onboard computers.

NUSES Space Mission

NUSES is an Italian-led space mission aimed at validating innovative technologies and scientific instruments for the study of cosmic rays, space weather, and neutrinos. With two independent payloads—Ziré and Terzina—the satellite represents a significant step toward next-generation orbital observatories.

NUSES - Zirè payload

Ziré is one of the two payloads aboard the Italian NUSES satellite, designed to detect low- and medium-energy cosmic rays and gamma rays. It integrates a Fiber Tracker, Plastic Scintillator Tower, gamma-ray calorimeter (CALOg), and an Anti-Coincidence System, all read out via SiPMs. Ziré enables 3D particle tracking, charge discrimination, and gamma-ray spectroscopy, serving as a technology pathfinder for future space-based astroparticle detectors.

LEM - Low Energy Module

The Low Energy Module (LEM) is a compact, high-precision particle spectrometer developed for the NUSES satellite to detect low-energy protons and electrons in low Earth orbit. The detector employs a hybrid readout system combining silicon PIPS sensors and plastic scintillators with SiPMs, supported by a powerful onboard DAQ and FPGA firmware, enabling high-rate histogram and list mode acquisition.

Crystal Eye Demonstrator

Crystal Eye is a new generation all sky monitor for the observation of 10keV-30MeV cosmic photons exploiting a new detection technique, which foresees enhanced localization capability with respect to current instruments. This is now possible thanks to the use of new materials and sensors.

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