Detector Systems for Space and Astronomy Applications
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Intelligent Sensors".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 211
Special Issue Editors
Interests: astrophysics; space exploration
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Detector systems constitute a foundational element of space missions, supporting both scientific exploration and operational functionality. From Earth observation to astrophysics and fundamental physics experiments, sensors enable precise measurements under extreme environmental conditions, including vacuum, radiation, thermal cycling, and stringent constraints on mass, power, and reliability. As space missions and operations grow in complexity and ambition, detector technologies continue to evolve toward higher sensitivity, greater stability, and increased levels of integration and autonomy.
In addition to the direct detection of photons and particles, precision detector systems play a vital role in navigation, metrology, and interferometric instruments. Optical- and laser-based detectors support attitude determination, formation flying, and the realisation of future space-based interferometers, where extreme sensitivity, stability, and calibration accuracy are required. Complementarily, radio frequency and radar detector systems enable active and passive sensing capabilities, supporting applications such as planetary subsurface sounding, Earth observation, space situational awareness, and very long baseline interferometry, where coherent signal detection and precise timing are essential. High-energy detectors, as well as particle and radiation sensors, provide critical insights into energetic astrophysical phenomena while also enabling space weather monitoring and radiation environment characterisation, essential for spacecraft and crew safety.
This Special Issue aims to collect state-of-the-art contributions on detector systems for space and astronomy applications, covering novel sensor concepts, enabling technologies, in-orbit validation, and developments that bridge scientific and operational needs in next-generation space missions and operations.
Dr. Jasmina Lazendic-Galloway
Prof. Dr. Mark J. Bentum
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- space sensors
- space detector systems
- optical and infrared space detectors
- radio and radar space instrumentation
- interferometry in space
- high-energy space instrumentation
- formation flying metrology
- radiation-tolerant electronics
- space mission instrumentation
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