Enabling scientists to test the laws of physics
Space exploration pushes the boundaries of what we know about physics and accelerates breakthroughs in energy efficiency and advanced materials. Insights gained under extreme conditions do not stay in space. They translate into real world technologies that improve performance, reduce energy consumption and enable entirely new applications on Earth.
Testing the laws of physics in Earth based laboratories, however, is a challenge. To truly understand the behavior of matter and to test theories like Einstein’s general relativity, we need to observe matter under extreme conditions that cannot be recreated on Earth. These conditions exist naturally near black holes or inside neutron stars.
By observing X ray radiation from deep space, where extreme gravitational forces are at play, scientists gain valuable new insights. These discoveries help us better understand the laws of physics and contribute to safer and more sustainable energy solutions. Discover how Neways supports this scientific exploration.
Applying our expertise: eXTP Wide Field Monitor
Space science missions that explore matter under extreme conditions—such as high density, intense gravity, and powerful magnetic fields—require advanced instruments. These include detectors designed to handle severe thermal and mechanical stress.
Neways has developed detectors with stable, long-lasting performance, using our expertise in microelectronic assembly and materials. We’ve successfully assembled large silicon drift detector chips (SDD), each measuring 7×7 cm², inside detector modules based on ceramic hybrid interconnection boards, meeting tight tolerances and demanding technical requirements.
One of our key contributions is to the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry mission (eXTP), a major astrophysical space project led by a Sino-European consortium. The eXTP satellite features four scientific instruments, including the Wide Field Monitor (WFM), which uses six coded aperture cameras. Each camera contains a detector plane made up of four silicon drift detectors.
Neways co-developed these detector modules and assembled them with similarly sized hybrid circuit boards that contain the front-end electronics (FEE) used to read out the detector signals. We achieved the precise alignment and stability needed for the WFM, maintaining positioning within approximately 50 microns.
Mission moon: LEM-X Lunar X-ray Monitor
Building on our experience with the WFM detectors, the Italian Space Agency (INAF) has chosen Neways to produce and integrate Detector Assemblies (DAs) for their proposed lunar observatory for the study of high-energy transients: LEM-X (Lunar Electromagnetic Monitor in X-rays). LEM-X will operate on the Moon for at least five years, enduring harsh conditions like radiation, extreme temperatures, dust, and micrometeoroids. To be able to observe the darkest regions of space from the Moon, it’s essential to maintain an extremely flat and stress-free detector surface.
A front-end electronic board (FEB) serves as the mechanical, thermal, and electrical interface between the SDD and the LEM-X instrument. End of March 2026, Neways provided 6 FEB prototype assemblies to INAF, each carrying 22 ASICs front-end bonded to a multilayer ceramic hybrid module.
Overcoming the challenges
“Quality is probably the most important factor in what we do at Neways for these scientific missions,” says Roland Tacken, Technology Manager Microelectronics. “These detectors operate in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Moreover, collaboration is key — projects like LEM-X require close cooperation between scientists, engineers, and international partners. Combining expertise from different fields is what makes such advanced instruments possible”.