On January 9, 2025, American scientists announced the upcoming delivery of a radiation-resistant computer to the Moon. Developed by engineers at Montana State University in collaboration with NASA, the RadPC is the first computer designed to operate in space while withstanding harmful cosmic radiation.
The device includes a diagnostic module for troubleshooting and fault detection. Experts note that traditional computers are vulnerable to ionizing solar and cosmic radiation, where a single high-energy particle can trigger a 'single event effect' leading to cascading or systemic failures. Such errors can jeopardize mission safety and success.
RadPC is equipped with additional processors that perform real-time diagnostics. In the event of an ionizing particle strike, the computer can replace or restore damaged components. It also features three dosimeters to measure varying radiation levels in the lunar environment.
The computer will be delivered to the lunar surface via the Blue Ghost 1 lander from Firefly Aerospace. NASA specialists believe that RadPC will enhance the safety and cost-effectiveness of future missions to the Moon and Mars.