On June 16, 2025, the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) was featured in the media for preparing the launch of two nanosatellites. One of the key contributions involves the development of an AI-based radiation sensing module — a project I am actively involved in — under the BIRDS-RPM international satellite mission.

Satellite Module

“I am designing one of the modules of this satellite. My module aims to measure the level of cosmic radiation — a critical parameter for astronauts. It consists of two radiation sensors (analog and digital), followed by the circuit design stage.”
— Cătălin Crăciunel, interview for TVR Moldova

Project Purpose

The goal is to demonstrate the use of:

  • Two radiation sensors (analog + digital)
  • An FPGA circuit for real-time SEU (Single Event Upset) detection
  • A neural network deployed on-chip for AI-based classification
  • Integration with nanosensors to be validated in space

Project Context

This mission is part of J-CUBE, coordinated by LaSEINE (Japan) and hosted at Kyutech, with the following objectives:

  • Obj-001: Demonstrate AI-based radiation sensor using COTS components on FPGA
  • Obj-002: Select nanosensors for detection of nanoscale chemical/physical properties
  • Obj-003: Integrate and test the nanosensor modules under space radiation
  • Obj-004: Assemble and integrate the complete payload stack on BIRDS platform
  • Obj-005: Receive, analyze and adjust data from ground stations for further evolution
  • Obj-006: Educate students in space-grade systems and advanced technologies

Media Mentions

Impact and Innovation

This project explores:

  • On-device AI inference using FPGA for low-latency radiation detection
  • Testing nanosensors for extreme conditions such as orbital radiation
  • Future applications in ISS, nanosatellites, industry, and environmental sensing

The innovation lies in bringing intelligence to the edge: one level of AI is directly embedded in the FPGA radiation sensor, and another in the MCU interfacing with the system.

Last Update: June 16, 2025

Satellite Module Front Side Satellite Module Back Side

📌 This project is realized in collaboration with UTM and LaSEINE Japan, under the BIRDS-RPM satellite program.

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