Radiation hardness studies for the X-ray Solar Monitor (XSM) onboard the ESA SMART-1 mission

The X-ray detection performance of the X-ray Solar Monitor (XSM, onboard the ESA SMART-1 satellite) Si pin-detector was studied after exposure to several types of radiation typical of the space environment (i.e. protons, electrons and γ-radiation). The detector withstands the tested radiation types at the expected mission dose levels. Hence, the XSM is expected to sustain an adequate performance level throughout the SMART-1 mission, needed to accomplish the planned scientific program. Also, first results of mission operations are presented.