The first measurements of the radiation dose on the lunar surface are reported in preparation for human exploration of the Moon.

To conduct real-time monitoring of the particle radiation environment in the orbit of the Tiangong space station, the installation of an energy particle detector operating on the outside of Wentian laboratory cabin module is proposed. Monitoring the energy, flux, and direction of high-energy protons, electrons, heavy ions, and neutrons in orbital space, as well as the LET spectrum and radiation dose rate generated by them, provides an important basis for studying the mechanism of the space environment that causes harm to space stations and astronauts. It also provides the necessary space environment parameters for the scientific experiment instruments on the space station. During its ground development process, the detector was verified by various calibration methods such as standard radioactive sources, equivalent signal generators, and particle accelerators. The results show that the detector can realize discrimination of particle ingredients (electrons, protons, heavy ions, and neutrons). Meanwhile, the measurement indexes can also realize target requirements, namely, from lower limit of 20 keV for medium-energy electrons and protons to heavy ion GeV, 0.025 eV~100 MeV for neutrons, and 0.233~17,475 keV/μm for the LET spectrum and 0.1~1000 mGy/day for the dose rate produced. The measurement precisions of all indexes are better than approximately 16%.

Particle radiation on the Moon is influenced by a combination of galactic cosmic rays, high-energy solar particles, and secondary particles interacting on the lunar surface. When China’s Chang’e-7 lander lands at the Moon’s South Pole, it will encounter this complex radiation environment. Therefore, a payload detection technology was developed to comprehensively measure the energy spectrum, direction, and radiation effects of medium- and high-energy charged particles on the lunar surface. During the ground development phase, the payload performance was tested against the design specifications. The verification results indicate that the energy measurement ranges are 30 keV to 300 MeV for protons, 30 keV to 12 MeV for electrons, and 8 to 400 MeV/n for heavy ions. The energy resolution is 10.81% for 200 keV electrons of the system facing the lunar surface; the dose rate measurement sensitivity is 7.48 µrad(Si)/h; and the LET spectrum measurement range extends from 0.001 to 37.014 MeV/(mg/cm²). These comprehensive measurements are instrumental in establishing a lunar surface particle radiation model, enhancing the understanding of the lunar radiation environment, and supporting human lunar activities.

Based on the characteristics of space particle radiation in the Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a space particle radiation effect comprehensive measuring instrument (SPRECMI) was installed on the orbital platform of the upper stage of the Chinese CZ-4C carrier rocket, which can acquire the high-energy proton energy spectra, linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of particles, and radiation dose rate. The particle radiation detection data were obtained at 1000 km altitude for the first time, which can be used mainly for scientific research of the space environment, in-orbit fault analysis, and the operational control management of spacecraft, and can also serve as reference data for component validation tests. After SPRECMI’s development, accelerator calibration and simulations were conducted, and the results demonstrated that all the measured indicators, including the high-energy proton spectra (energy range: 21.8–275.0 MeV, precision: 37.2 MeV/(mg/cm²)), met the relevant requirements. Furthermore, the in-orbit flight test revealed that the detection results of the load components were consistent with the physical characteristics of the particle radiation environment of the spacecraft’s orbit.

Satellites traversing highly elliptical orbits (HEOs) encounter more severe radiation effects caused by the space particle environment, which are distinct from those in a low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO). This study proposed a space environment detection payload technology for assessing the particle radiation environment in HEOs. During ground tests, all technical indicators of the detection payload were calibrated and verified using reference signal sources, standard radioactive sources, and particle accelerators. The results indicate that the space environment detection payload can detect electrons and protons within the energy ranges of 30 keV to 2.0 MeV and 30 keV to 300 MeV, respectively, with an accuracy greater than 10%. The detection range of the surface potential spans from −11.571 kV to +1.414 kV, with a sensitivity greater than 50 V. Furthermore, the radiation dose detection range extends from 0 to 3.38 × 10⁶ rad (Si), with a sensitivity greater than 3 rad (Si). These indicators were also validated through an in-orbit flight. The observation of the particle radiation environment, radiation dose accumulation, and satellite surface potential variation in HEOs can cover space areas that have not been addressed before. This research helps fill the gaps in China’s space environment data and promotes the development of a space-based environment monitoring network.

With advancements in space exploration, the extreme conditions of space—such as ionizing radiation, temperature gradients, and micrometeoroid impacts—pose significant challenges to the operational stability and longevity of space-based detection systems. Therefore, the development of detectors with enhanced resilience and reliability has become imperative. Recent advancements in synthetic diamond detectors fabricated through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) have demonstrated high radiation tolerance, favorable thermal stability, and reliable radiation-detection performance. These attributes position diamond detectors as promising candidates for space radiation monitoring applications. This study systematically analyzed the physical properties, fabrication methodologies, radiation detection principles, and prospective applications of diamond detectors within the context of space environments, highlighting their advantages in comparison to conventional detection technologies.