[Radiation environment of orbital complex "Mir" during minimum of the 22-nd solar cycle (1994-1996)]

Analysis of radiation dynamics on board the orbital complex MIR in the period of 1994 through to 1996 overlapping minimum of the 22nd solar cycle (SC) was performed. Radiation parameters in the working compartments during eight MIR missions (MIR 15-22) were evaluated. According to the solar dynamics during minimal activity with the lowest meanings of Wolf numbers (< 20), the daily average dose rate on MIR reached its peak over the whole 22nd SC and by a factor of more than three exceeded meanings typical for solar maximum. A statistical method was used to compute correlation coefficients and set up an equation of linear regression of the absorbed dose with cosmophysical parameters of the SC minimum. Meanings of the correlation coefficients for SC minimum were substantially lower as compared with SC maximum, that is there was no distinct correlation between dose rate and the parameters under study. Radiation doses to cosmonauts violated the admissible radiation limits for ground exposures but not radiation limits established for manned space missions. Reduction of dose loading on cosmonauts during SC minimum can be achieved by planning shorter missions or utilization of a program of radiation protection for traverse of SAA ERB.