Neutron-2

Neutron-2 Mission Overview

The Neutron-2 mission is being developed by the Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory (HSFL) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). The Neutron-2 (N2) mission will focus on measuring neutrons in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using a CubeSat(s) flying in a polar orbit. It will be flying the next generation of neutron detectors developed at Arizona State University (ASU) and it will leverage lessons learned from Neutron-1, launched by HSFL in 2020. We are working with the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) to accomplish the goals of the Neutron-2 mission. 

The Neutron-2 mission aims to study the temporal dynamics of neutron and gamma-ray flux as a function of solar activity, time, altitude and different orbital positions in order to better characterize space weather in LEO and protect space assets.

Primary Goal of Neutron-2 Mission:

  1. Measure the neutron and gamma ray flux in LEO

University Nanosatellite Program (UNP)

HSFL is working with the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) to reach the goals of the Neutron-2 mission.

UNP was established in 1999, described on their website as, “the first federally funded program dedicated exclusively to university participation in spacecraft development.” UNP has worked with over 50 universities and their students to increase education and experience on small satellite development.

In January 2025, members of the HSFL Team attended the UNP NS-12 Kickoff Conference located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Project Manager Piper Kline presented the Neutron-2 Mission Proposal.

Scientific Objective

The Neutron-2 mission’s primary scientific objective is to study and measure the temporal dynamics of low-energy Earth albedo neutrons as a function of solar activity, time, and spatial coordinates of the CubeSat.

To achieve this, we utilize the next generation of compact neutron detectors developed by Arizona State University (ASU). Previous versions of this detector flew on  both the Neutron-1 and the LunaH-Map missions.  

The focus of these measurements is on low-energy secondary neutrons, a critical component of the LEO neutron environment. We will derive spatially and temporally resolved maps of secondary low-energy neutron abundances from the collected data, providing insights into their distribution as a function of latitude, longitude, and time.

The data collected by the neutron detectors aboard the two Neutron-2 cubesats will enhance our understanding of the Earth-Sun interaction by mapping neutron abundances in LEO. This dataset will be analyzed for its potential application in characterizing space weather and improving radiation safety protocols for future missions.

Mission Objectives and Studies

  1. Mapping the Radiation Environment in Low Earth Orbit
  2. Study of Cosmic Ray Interactions with Earth’s Atmosphere
  3. Investigating the Influence of the Earth’s Magnetic Field
  4. Cross-Calibration and Validation of Radiation Models

Research Objectives

  1. Neutron Detection and Mapping
  2. Attitude Formation Flying in Space
  3. Data Fusion and Modeling
  4. Comparative Neutron Studies

Opportunities for Student Engagement

We are currently seeking out interested engineering students interested in participating in HSFL’s current missions and projects, including Neutron-2, while earning credit through UH Mānoa’s EPET courses and VIP programs.

If you are a UH Mānoa engineering student and want to get  involved with HSFL and the Neutron-2 mission, click the link below to complete our HSFL Student Interest Form. This will connect you with our team.

Click HERE: HSFL Student Interest Form