  We present a preliminary design for a novel neutron detection system that is
compact, lightweight, and low power consuming, utilizing the CubeSat platform
making it suitable for space-based applications. This is made possible using
the scintillating crystal lithium indium diselenide ($^6$LiInSe$_2$), the first
crystal to include $^6$Li in the crystalline structure, and a silicon avalanche
photodiode (Si-APD). The schematics of this instrument are presented as well as
the response of the instrument to initial testing under alpha radiation. A
principal aim of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of such a neutron
detection system within a CubeSat platform. The entire end-to-end system
presented here is 10 cm x 10 cm x 15 cm, weighs 670 grams and requires 5 Volts
direct current at 3 Watts.
