SPARK Program is on hold
Development continues at reduced pace pending the situation resolution by PLD Space and CDTI/AEE
Cosmic ray Detection from Orbit
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles — mostly protons and alpha particles — that constantly bombard Earth from deep space. Though invisible to the naked eye, they carry vital clues about the most energetic and violent phenomena in the cosmos.
CAPIBARA-CRD is an instrument integrated into the OBA Space FARADAY CubeSat. Developed entirely by students, it will detect particles from low Earth orbit and characterise their origin — solar versus extra-solar.
Mission Snapshot
Host Satellite: OBA FARADAY (OBA SPACE) Orbit: LEO/SSO • ~500 km • 50-60º incl. Launch Programme: PLD Space SPARK (on hold) Corresponding Author: Lluc Solar Manich Orbital parameters are preliminary and subject to SPARK decisions.
Detectors
The instrument uses two complementary detector types to characterise incoming particles by their energy, velocity, and composition:
- Time-of-Flight Detector: measures particle velocity by timing transit between two sensor planes
- Charge Detector: identifies particle species by ionisation signature (under development)
Research Focus: Solar vs. Extra-Solar Cosmic Rays
Primary Cosmic Rays (PCRs) generally originate from high-energy astrophysical events, but particles from solar wind — ejected from the Sun’s corona — pose real risks to satellites and human spaceflight. Characterising these is both scientifically and practically important.
This project aims to distinguish between PCRs from the Sun and those from beyond the solar system. By comparing radiation levels detected in Earth’s day-side and night-side orbits, and combining this with latitude and magnetic field data, we expect to characterise solar PCRs — which are expected to show lower energies and velocities.
NOTE
Solar PCRs arrive preferentially from the Sun’s direction and show flux modulation with orbital latitude (affected by Earth’s magnetic field). Extra-solar cosmic rays are isotropic and higher-energy. Comparing day-side/night-side measurements and combining with orbital position allows statistical separation of the two populations.
SPARK Programme Hold
WARNING
We were recently notified by our payload hosters (OBA FARADAY Team) that the SPARK programme is currently on hold by PLD Space, the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), and the Spanish Space Agency (AEE). Awaiting resolution of a potential conflict of interests, we are continuing instrument development at a reduced pace alongside our partners.
We will wait for new notifications before launching the funding campaign and manufacturing the flight instrument. We remain committed to the mission and will provide updates here as the situation develops.
Why It Matters
Cosmic rays help us understand the origins of supernovae, black holes, and possibly dark matter. With this mission, we take a step forward in space weather forecasting, particle astrophysics, and science education — while demonstrating what students can achieve in real space research.