A Historic Return to the Lunar Orbit

When the massive SLS (Space Launch System) rocket ascends from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it will mark the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. The first launch window is scheduled for February 6, 2026. During the ten-day mission, the four-person crew will not land but will orbit the Moon to test all critical life-support systems. This mission serves as the final rehearsal before Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface in the coming years.

The Heart of the HERA System

A vital component for the mission’s success is the HERA (Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor) system. This NASA-developed instrument is designed to monitor cosmic radiation, which can severely impact both human health and sensitive onboard electronics. The “eyes” of the HERA system consist of six Timepix chips supplied by ADVACAM. These are integrated into two HSU (Hera Sensor Unit) units, with three modules each. “These are extremely sensitive pixel chips capable of detecting every single particle of cosmic radiation and determining its energy, direction, interaction time, and particle type,” explains Jan Jakůbek, ADVACAM’s Scientific Director. “This allows for a detailed analysis of the radiation’s composition, which is essential because different particles have different biological effects.”

From CERN to Deep Space

The technology behind these chips originated in fundamental physics research at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Today, ADVACAM is a NASA-certified supplier. Their detectors are already a standard in the industry, having been deployed on:

• The International Space Station (ISS)

• The OneWeb Joey Sat satellite

• Czech CubeSats VZLUSAT I and II

• The future lunar orbital station Gateway (as part of the ESA IDA system)

Jan Sohar, CEO of ADVACAM, adds: “We are proud that NASA plans to use our chips during the final attempt to land on the Moon as part of the Artemis III mission. It is a clear indication that detailed radiation measurement is becoming an increasingly important part of human spaceflight.”

AdvaSpace: “Space Weather” Forecasting

The Czech ambition extends beyond hardware. At the end of 2025, the group established a new subsidiary called AdvaSpace (part of Advisiones Technologies). Its goal is to move from hardware production to data processing. The company envisions a satellite constellation using MiniPIX SPACE detectors to provide real-time “space weather” data. This information would be invaluable not only to space agencies but also to:

• Aviation companies

• Power grid operators

• Insurance providers

“Our goal is to share space weather data much like meteorological satellites provide information about terrestrial weather,” says Martin Tyburec, Director of AdvaSpace. The company is currently seeking partners and investors to realize this ambitious vision.

The full press release, along with visual materials, can be found here.

Photo: SLS launch vehicle, detail of the HERA system installed in the Orion spacecraft, and Timepix chips. Source: NASA / SRAG-JSC / ADVACAM

Návrat k Luně po 53 letech

Start obří rakety SLS (Space Launch System) z Kennedyho kosmického střediska na Floridě je naplánován na 6. února 2026. Pro NASA jde o historický milník – první pilotovanou misi k Měsíci od dob Apolla 17 v roce 1972. Čtyřčlenná posádka stráví ve vesmíru deset dní. Během nich Měsíc obkrouží a otestuje všechny kritické systémy lodi Orion. Jde o finální prověrku před misí Artemis III, která má v následujících letech dopravit Američany přímo na povrch Luny.

Srdce systému HERA: Technologie z pražských Holešovic

Klíčovým prvkem pro bezpečnost astronautů je přístroj HERA (Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor). Jeho „mozkem“ je šest čipů typu Timepix, které vyvinula a dodala pražská firma ADVACAM.

Tyto čipy jsou rozmístěny ve dvou jednotkách HSU (Hera Sensor Unit). Jejich úkolem je:

• Monitorovat složení záření: Na rozdíl od běžných detektorů umí Timepix rozpoznat každou jednotlivou částici.

• Určit parametry: Čipy měří energii, směr, čas i typ částice.

• Varovat posádku: Systém data autonomně vyhodnocuje a v případě nebezpečí okamžitě varuje astronauty.

• Ověřit stínění: Data pomohou zjistit, jak efektivně loď Orion posádku před radiací chrání.

„Jde o nesmírně citlivé pixelové čipy. To je podstatné, protože různé druhy kosmických částic mají různé účinky,“ vysvětluje vědecký ředitel ADVACAMu, Jan Jakůbek.

Od CERNu až k lunární stanici Gateway

Technologie Timepix má kořeny v nejšpičkovějším vědeckém výzkumu – původně vznikla pro urychlovač částic v CERNu. Dnes je však standardem pro kosmické mise. Produkty ADVACAMu už slouží na ISS, v českých satelitech VZLUSAT i v komerčních družicích OneWeb. Do budoucna se počítá s jejich využitím i na chystané lunární orbitální stanici Gateway a při samotném přistání lidí na Měsíci v rámci mise Artemis III.

Budoucnost: „Meteorologie“ pro vesmírné počasí

Česká ambice v kosmu nekončí jen u výroby hardware. Na konci roku 2025 vznikla v rámci skupiny AdVisiones Technologies nová dceřiná firma AdvaSpace. Jejím cílem je vybudovat celou konstelaci družic, které budou sledovat kosmické počasí. „Naším cílem je sdílet data o radiaci podobně, jako meteorologické družice poskytují informace o běžném počasí,“ říká ředitel AdvaSpace, Martin Tyburec. Tato data budou klíčová nejen pro astronauty, ale i pro letecké společnosti nebo provozovatele energetických sítí na Zemi.

Celé znění tiskové zprávy spolu s obrazovým materiálem naleznete zde.

Foto: Nosná raketa SLS, detail systému HERA instalovaného v lodi Orion a čipů Timepix, Zdroj: NASA / SRAG-JSC / ADVACAM

“The entire device, the system, consists of two robotic arms. One is equipped with an X-ray source, while the other carries an advanced camera that can capture radiation invisible to the naked eye. For X-ray imaging, we use pixel detectors that are noise-free and highly sensitive,” explains imaging expert Michal Pech.

The robotic system reveals what has hitherto been hidden from the eyes of forensic scientists. It can be used, for example, in the investigation of industrial accidents, where it is necessary to examine the condition of pipes, the quality of welds, or pressure gauges. It can also be used in the investigation of large fires, traffic and aviation accidents, or in verifying the authenticity of works of art.

“The great advantage of the multimodal scanner is that all methods are in one device, which will significantly facilitate the examination of forensic evidence,” says forensic scientist Marek Kotrlý. “We don’t have to transfer samples between devices, which eliminates the possibility of contamination, damage, or even loss.”

“We can dismantle the system, transport it to the location where the large sample is located, and prepare it like in the laboratory. We assemble the system, calibrate it, and perform measurements, which we then process in a similar way to measurements in the laboratory,” adds Pech.

The Czech police are the first in the world to use a device of this kind. Its originality is confirmed by its placement in the finals of the prestigious Europol Excellence Awards in Innovation, where it tied for second place in the technical innovation category.

First, let’s look at the names:

• Detectors with first generation chip are now called MiniPIX BASIC.
• Timepix2 devices are called SPRINTER in the case of MiniPIX and AdvaPIX, or DYNAMIC in the case of WidePIX.
• Timepix3 detectors are called MiniPIX or AdvaPIX MAGIC.
• Medipix3 cameras are now called WidePIX CHROMATIC.

We have also introduced new WidePIX builds, which are ready for industrial integration. They are called WidePIX Industry and WidePIX SenseEdge.

The color scheme also reflects these categories. Timepix detectors are light grey, Timepix3 detectors are dark grey, Timepix 2 and Medipix3 are black. ADVACAM red serves as a contrast element, complemented by white lettering. The distinction is shown in this simplified scheme:

This is what our rebranded portfolio looks like:

Skenují všude, kde záleží na perfektní kvalitě

Mikroskopická prasklina v lehké konstrukci křídla letadla může znamenat vážné bezpečnostní riziko, stejně tak jako třeba nekvalitní svár v potrubí vinoucím se jadernou elektrárnou. Ozařování rakoviny mozku může vést ke ztrátě paměti nebo zraku. Nepatrný detail v podmalbě renesančního obrazu rozhoduje o tom, zda se jedná o historický originál nebo bezcenný padělek. Jediná nabitá částice kosmického záření má potenciál zničit celou vesmírnou misi za miliony dolarů…

To jsou jen některé z oborů, kde se už nyní uplatňují české detekční technologie. Umožňují sledovat každou jednotlivou částici anebo natáčet nebývale citlivá barevná rentgenová videa. Právě výrobce těchto přístrojů a vývojáře souvisejících zobrazovacích metod nyní zaštiťuje česká hi-tech skupina AdVisiones Technologies a.s.

Kdo nevidí, co potřebuje, obrací se do Holešovic

Svoji vizi nyní představili její zakladatelé, Jan Sohar, Jan Jakůbek a Josef Uher. Se zákazníky napříč celým světem (NASA, CERN, Boeing, SpaceX, Honda, Applus+, Anton Paar, Thermo Fisher Scientific) mají na tuzemské poměry mimořádně velké ambice:

„Konsolidace podniků vyvíjejících pokročilé zobrazovací metody pod hlavičku AdVisiones Technologies je pouze začátek procesu, který by měl vést k potvrzení naší pozice jako světového lídra v této oblasti. V průmyslu se těšíme pověsti těch, kteří umí zrentgenovat i to, s čím si nikdo jiný neví rady. A v tom hodláme pokračovat. Do roku 2030 plánujeme zvýšit obrat celé skupiny na 700 milionů korun. Chceme, aby se skupina postupně rozšiřovala. Brzy představíme další dceřinou firmu, která se bude soustředit na monitorování a předpověď kosmického počasí. Dalším důkazem je právě dokončená akvizice německého vývojáře a výrobce částicových detektorů firmy X-ray Imaging Europe GmbH,“ popisuje ředitel skupiny, Jan Sohar.

„Spolupráci našich firem vnímáme jako skvělou příležitost. Synergie spočívá hlavně v možnosti využití našich vysoce efektivních senzorových vrstev, jež lze aplikovat na detektory vyráběné AdVisiones Technologies. Díky tomu se nám otevírají dveře na nové trhy. Například jde o medicínské aplikace,“ říká ke spojení s českou skupinou Michael Fiederle ze společnosti X-ray Imaging Europe.

Co je to Technologický hub pro inovace v zobrazování?

Nová skupina sama sebe označuje jako „Hub for imaging innovation“. To znamená, že bude vyhledávat i další slibné aplikace, které spadají do její strategie. Zároveň otevírá příležitost případným investorům, kteří by měli zájem se na tomto smělém projektu podílet.

Scanning Anywhere Where Perfect Quality Matters

A microscopic crack in an aircraft’s lightweight wing structure can pose a serious safety risk, just like a poor-quality weld in the pipework of a nuclear power plant. Brain cancer radiation therapy can cause memory loss or impaired vision. A tiny detail in the underpainting of a Renaissance artwork can determine whether it is a priceless original or a worthless forgery. A single charged particle of cosmic radiation has the potential to destroy a multi-million-dollar space mission.

These are only some of the fields where Czech detection technologies are already in use. They make it possible to track every individual particle or record exceptionally sensitive color X-ray videos. The Czech hi-tech group AdVisiones Technologies a.s. now unites the manufacturers of these instruments and the developers of the associated imaging methods.

When You Need to See the Unseen, You Turn to Prague

The group’s founders, Jan Sohar, Jan Jakubek, and Josef Uher, have now presented their vision. With clients across the world (including NASA, CERN, Boeing, SpaceX, Honda, Applus, Anton Paar, Thermo Fisher Scientific), they hold ambitions that are remarkable by Czech standards.

“Bringing companies developing advanced imaging methods under AdVisiones Technologies is only the beginning of a process that should confirm our position as a global leader in this field. In the industry, we have a reputation for being able to X-ray even what no one else can. And we intend to keep it that way.

By 2030, we plan to increase the group’s turnover to 28 million EUR. We want the group to expand further. Soon, we will introduce another subsidiary focused on space-weather monitoring and forecasting. Another proof of our direction is the recently completed acquisition of the German particle-detector developer and manufacturer X-ray Imaging Europe GmbH,” says Jan Sohar, CEO of the group.

Regarding the integration with the Czech group, Michael Fiederle of X-ray Imaging Europe adds: “We see the cooperation of our companies as a great opportunity. The synergy lies mainly in the ability to use our highly efficient sensor layers in the detectors manufactured by AdVisiones Technologies. This opens the door to new markets. For example, medical applications.”

What is „A hub for imaging innovation“?

The newly formed group describes itself as “A hub for imaging innovation”. This means it will actively seek additional promising applications aligned with its strategy. It also opens opportunities for potential investors who may wish to participate in this ambitious project.

ADVACAM was awarded gold in the Made in Czechia category. Silver went to Thermona, spol. s r.o., a traditional manufacturer of heating systems, and bronze went to Pavel Diviš from TGS nástroje-stroje-technologické služby, a company that successfully exports Czech engineering to dozens of countries.

The Czech Goodwill project, organized for the thirteenth year by the HPCG consulting group, has a simple but powerful goal: to recognize companies that people value. It is not about turnover, but about the values behind the brand. “Business makes sense when, in addition to profit, it also creates value for others,” says project author and HPCG Executive Director Lenka Hlavatá. And this year, from 113 nominations, a panel of experts and the public selected those who do business with their hearts and minds.

The Czech Goodwill project is organized by HPCG (Hlavatý & Partners Consulting Group) and its transparent process is guaranteed by the certification authority TÜV SÜD Czech. With the support of partners such as HELUZ GROUP, ETNETERA GROUP, NEWTON UNIVERSITY, X Production, MMS (Media Marketing Services), FTV Prima, and others, it has been giving space to entrepreneurs who prove that even in the tough world of business, there is room for compassion for the thirteenth year in a row.

I want similar results

We just participated in some traiblazing research, which got published in Scientific Reports – Nature’s most cited magazine.

Changing crystalline microstructure of iron is crucial for its mechanical properties in the finished product. X-ray diffraction has been an important method in metallurgy, but so far, it could only be done on the sample surface.

Jan Jakubek, together with Daniel Vavrik, Vjaceslav Georgiev, Bohuslav Masek, Ondrej Urban, Jan Sleichrt & Daniel Kytyr from Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics and University of West Bohemia, conducted an experiment: They monitored the crystalline composition of a 1.5 mm thick steel plate while changing its temperature from 25 to 750 °C and back within five minutes. They recorded XRD data using ADVACAM’s fully spectroscopic AdvaPIX detector. Then they compared the data with a mathematical model created by Jan.

The result?

Fitting the model to the data, the authors demonstrated that it is possible to observe microstructural changes within the metallic object volume in real time. They were able to accurately determine the presence of different allotropes (specifically austenite and ferrite) over time with precision better than 1%. A single measurement step can be performed in just 0.05 s. This method can be used for quality control in industry for the manufacturing of high-performance alloys, especially for metallurgical processes such as quenching, annealing, smithery, rolling, casting, etc.

Check the results in the graph or learn more in Scientific Reports.

Upgrade your CT machine and detect cracks, porosity, delamination, and other defects more effectively. Inspect critical areas such as welds or material joints in more detail.

Watch a story how researchers at the CT Research Group of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria have now showcased an industrial RX Solutions CT, combined with our WidePIX MPX3 camera. Apart from research projects, they also offer custom inspection of small samples for the public.

I want similar results

I want similar results

I want similar results

I want similar results

I want similar results

Our detectors offer a variety of imaging methods, such as material-sensitive spectral scan, 2D X-ray imaging, 3D imaging, tomosynthesis, X-ray diffraction, backscattering and many combinations of these. Thanks to the time-delay integration implemented in the WidePIX detectors, the device can be integrated into inline inspection systems inspecting objects for instance on conveyor belts. Even large samples can be scanned without the need to dismantle or cut them.

For samples too large to fit into a standard industrial CT, consider using robotic scanner RadalyX. RadalyX is a flexibile and portabile scanner that offers an inspection solution for practically any size and shape of objects.

Learn more about robotic CT

It’s not easy to understand what a “WidePIX L 2(1)x5 MPX3″ is. That’s why we prepared a system to simplify this. Suddenly, this mouthful turns into “WidePIX CHROMATIC 5“. All our cameras will get a new, simplified name and sleek design. We will introduce the full framework soon.

Get a discount on all devices

Now, we are selling out the current stock. The cameras with the old design and name are available for lower price until the end of September. This is why we offer you a discount on all products.

• For orders above 10 000 €, save 1 000 €,

• For orders above 20 000 €, save 2 000 €,

• For orders above 35 000 €, save 3 500 €.

How? Easily, just use the secret password: REBRANDING SUMMER SALE, when talking to our representative.

Get in touch

The sale is in effect for inquiries and orders placed from the date of its announcement until September 30th or until stock lasts. The offer cannot be combined with other promotional offers or sales – higher discount applies.

It shows all the data since the satellite’s launch in 2013. You can select your own processing parameters and compare the captured particles with the Proba V’s position. You can generate radiation maps for a certain time or check particles in a specific location.

On Wednesday (July 2nd, 2025), the U.S. Senate narrowly approved an amendment to the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” proposed by Senator Ted Cruz. It allows additional funding for crewed exploration missions beyond the level requested by the White House. Cruz justified the amendment as an investment in winning the new space race with China and securing U.S. dominance in space.

“The amendment proposes adding at least $750 million for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2028 for full funding of the Gateway space station, and up to $350 million for 2029,” reports the specialized space portal Kosmonautix.cz.

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on Gateway’s fate on Thursday. “Allegedly, there is strong pressure to approve the bill in the form passed by the Senate, and it seems unlikely that any amendments will even reach the debate stage in the House. However, this does not mean that the proposal will be automatically approved and sent to the President. The final decision is expected in the coming hours,” adds Jiří Hošek from Kosmonautix.cz.

Nervousness Among Suppliers

Not only NASA is anxiously watching the battle over Gateway funding, but also the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada, Japan, and hundreds of smaller countries and companies that are involved in this highly ambitious mission. The Gateway space station, orbiting the Moon, aims to test the effects of the space environment on human crews in preparation for manned missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. These areas face much harsher conditions than those near Earth, such as aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Cosmic radiation is hazardous.

Aboard Gateway, specifically in the HALO module, an internal radiation dosimetry system called IDA (Internal Dosimetry Array) is to be installed, developed under a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). One of the key instruments in this detector array is currently being finalized by Czech company ADVACAM, which has long supplied miniaturized chips for detailed radiation analysis to customers, including ESA and NASA.

“It will monitor radiation doses to which astronauts are exposed. It will also generate scientific data for radiation mapping, shielding assessments, and more. Our detector can provide real-time information on particle type, energy, direction, time of impact, and point of impact,” explains Tomáš Komárek of ADVACAM.

Detector Survives Launch Vibrations and Temperature Changes

Tomáš Komárek recently led environmental testing of the completed detector (video). Vibration and thermal tests were conducted at the VÚTS laboratories in Liberec. “The vibration tests determine whether the detector can survive mechanical stresses during launch. We also passed thermal tests, where the detector was cooled and heated to temperatures ranging from -25°C to +85°C. The detector was able to survive and remain functional,” adds Komárek.

Partners in the IDA project — which include, besides ADVACAM, HUN REN Centre for Energy Research and REMRED Ltd from Hungary, Germany’s DLR German Aerospace Center, Airbus, and Japan’s space agency JAXA — can only hope that the Gateway project gets the green light, and their work does not go to waste.

Doctors and specialists from the the German Cancer Research Center, the German National Center for Tumor Diseases, and the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center have developed a new monitoring device, which utilizes ADVACAM detectors.

At the time of recording, Dr. Mária Martišíková could already present very promissing results from a phantom study. First real patients involved in the InViMo clinical study already started undergoing treatment with the help of the BeamTraX detector.

The UNSEEN TALKS podcast focuses on the latest technology that implements particle imaging cameras. It is produced by their number one manufacturer, Czech company ADVACAM.

Eight experts from Germany, Austria, the United States and the Czech Republic presented innovative applications of computed tomography (CT) performed with robotic arms. This is an innovative method for industrial non-destructive testing and imaging of lightweight materials. One moving arm is equipped with a radiation source, while the other is equipped with an advanced particle detector. This allows variable methods and combinations of methods to be applied and anomalies hidden within the sample to be detected.

Conventional methods of material inspection using X-ray often encounter obstacles such as the size or shape of the object. These can make the resulting images distorted or costly. However, the combination with robots helps to overcome these obstacles.

Typically, this technology is applied by testing experts in the automotive and aerospace industries. X-rays help them to detect hidden defects in bodies and components. Robotic CT also has its place in plant scanning, where it can reveal the yield of ears or the presence of parasites. Another unusual application is the restoration and authentication of artwork.

ADVACAM was represented by Jan Jakubek

Thanks to the mobility of the robotic arms, it is possible to precisely control the relative position of the detector, the radiation source and the specimen being monitored. This makes it possible to obtain detailed images from many angles, which subsequently form a planar or three-dimensional model of the object that accurately shows the location of anomalies or defects. This technology can also be combined with other non-destructive methods such as ultrasonic inspection and laser surface profiling.

Radalytica has also developed prototype devices that apply robotic CT in the medical field. Thanks to the fact that the particle detectors supplied by sister company ADVACAM can distinguish the wavelengths of incoming radiation, this method can differentiate between different types of tissue. This can help detect hidden growths or tumours and, in particular, makes their treatment more precise. An example of the application of robotic CT is Irradion, a project that modifies a robotic scanner being developed for the purpose of research into ion beam cancer treatment.

The clustering module performs identification of the particle traces in images recorded by PIXet, performs their energy calibration, shape analysis and sorting. The module generates various types of results: Histograms, images, 2D maps, logs.

A flat panel detector is used for example in hospitals. Its surface is covered in scintillating material. When it comes in contact with x-ray radiation, it converts it into visible light in an analog process. The pixel starts to glow. The next layer contains a photo diode, which converts the light into electrical signal.

The current created by the diode is accumulated in the capacitor, and the charge is measured by a digital voltmeter, which gives out digital information about the pixel. These values together form an image.

The first layer of a photon counting detector is a semiconductor sensor. When a particle hits its surface, it creates an electrical charge, which is then transferred to the electronics in lower layers.

It passes through an amplifier to a counter, which stores a complete amount of hits during exposure and ignores noise. To make sure the counter only receives relevant data, we can set a threshold for a certain signal strength. This allows us to select only the photons which generate the clearest image and uncover hidden details.

The main difference between a flat panel and photon-counting detector is the precision of output information. In a flat panel, the useful data and noise are collected. This results in a noisy image. In comparison, with the photon-counting method, we receive clean data and avoid noise completely.

Another disadvantage of flat panel detectors is their limited dynamic range. Just like a digital camera, flat panel image can be underexposed when the detector receives too little information. On the other hand, too strong of a signal will result in an overexposed image, just like when you attempt to take a photo against the sunrays. This is avoided in photon-counting detectors, because of their fully digital principle.

The AdvaDose project is set to create a device with three main functions. It will

• detect changes in the radiation field compared to one or more reference fields,
• spectrally and directionally characterize the radiation field as a whole and in terms of individual particle components and
• capture temporal changes in these characteristics.

The image above shows examples of different clusters – energy generated in each pixel as a result of the interaction with each particle. Their shape and intensity vary depending on the type of particle, its energy, and the angle at which it hits the sensor.

These clusters are key in comparing the reference radiation field with the measured data. Without such comparison, the values measured by dosimetry equipment may be significantly over- or underestimated.

The AdvaDose monitoring device will be based on a single-chip or multi-chip detector configuration with ASIC chips from the hashtag#Timepix family combined with software that processes the data measured by the detector into user-friendly outputs.

This project will be funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic’s TREND program. Our partners include the Czech Metrology Institute, NUVIA, and ÚJF AV ČR.

Quantum Design Germany’s Thorsten Pieper has 17 years of experience selling scientific instruments to customers in various industrial and research fields. As ADVACAM is starting a global partnership with quantum design, we wanted to learn more about their methods and invited Thorsten to be interviewed in the latest episode of our UNSEEN TALKS podcast.

The UNSEEN TALKS podcast focuses on the latest technology that implements particle imaging cameras. It is produced by their number one manufacturer, Czech company ADVACAM.