In order to reach such objectives, important advancements in the capabilities of the two HEARTS heavy ion facilities have already been achieved. In the case of GSI, the main achievement has been that of successfully commissioning the Galactic Cosmic Ray simulator in April 2024, capable of reproducing a radiation field very similar to that in space. Whereas typical accelerator test conditions make use of mono-energetic and mono-ion species beams, the GCR simulator is capable of transforming a set of primary beam energies into an environment with multiple particle species, energies and ionization capabilities, much more closely resembling the actual environment in space. This achievement has been built on detailed Monte Carlo radiation-matter simulations, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, and sophisticated radiation field characterization solutions. The GCR simulator is expected to mainly be applied to radiobiology and shielding applications, which will largely benefit from the enhanced level of resemblance to the actual space environment.
At CERN, the focus has rather been on developing beams and associated quality control procedures for electronics irradiation. In this case, the direct resemblance to the space environment is not the main objective, but rather its worst-case condition, achieved typically through ions with very high ionization capabilities. In this regard, the main achievement has been the successful experimental campaign in October 2023, in which very high-energy lead beams were developed, characterized and validated in view of their compliance with the radiation effects testing needs. Such needs had been previously defined within HEARTS by the industrial and academic radiation effects experts among the project partners. In autumn 2024, the readiness of the facility for routine space electronics testing will be assessed by external users during a pilot user run.
