Space Sciences Research
Civil, military, and commercial space operations require extensive analysis to determine environmental characteristics
and system requirements. Dynetics has a team of specialists focused on high fidelity modeling, simulation, and analysis of space systems.
Our space environment radiation effects and sensor modeling group employs high-energy physics transport codes, such as GEANT4, to model
high-energy radiation detector systems in various space environments. One of our current focuses is modeling neutron backgrounds in typical
lunar and terrestrial environments.
Modeling and simulation contribute significantly to successful space operations. Dynetics’ simulation of the Lunar
neutron background environment has produced the most accurate fit to the observed Lunar neutron spectrum to date. The model results are
used to estimate the performance of candidate neutron detector systems in these environments. We are evaluating the performance of a
boron-10 doped plastic scintillator neutron detector for possible use on an upcoming NASA Lunar robotic mission. This complex modeling
task includes varying the detector properties, estimating the effect on performance, and developing detailed detector response models
for use in data analysis.
Data analysis works hand-in-hand with modeling and simulation. Dynetics engages in the analysis of astrophysics X-ray data
collected by various science missions, including the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Newton X-ray
Multi-mirror mission. We provide timing and spectral analysis of the recorded data, interpret the results, and present findings at
scientific conferences and through refereed journal articles.
Dynetics has developed some of the most technologically advanced data analysis software for space missions. Currently,
we are developing software for implementing detector response models in data analysis software for the NASA Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM).
GBM is part of the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) mission. We are currently developing the prototype software modules for
the direct detector response matrix integration and the atmospherically scattered detector response integration software for the GBM.
No matter the domain, Dynetics is dedicated to the mission of supporting space operations with the latest in modeling, simulation, and analysis.
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