Biokosmos 8 experiment: dosimetric measurements with AgCl track detectors behind low shielding

Monocrystalline sheets of AgCl nuclear track detectors, mounted on top of a detector package, covered by a thin light-filter of 15 micrometers-thick Kapton-foil, were flown in the outside facilities of the Biokosmos 8 Mission. The aim of this lay-out was to record low energy protons and heavy ions, including SAA particles, from the unshielded cosmic radiation. The tracks recorded turned out to be strongly faded. The possible reasons, high temperature (>60 degrees C at the detector surface indicated by temperature markers) or too high temporary intensities of the filtered sunlight, are discussed on the basis of simulation experiments. The report briefly describes: (1) Characteristics of the AgCl-detectors. (2) The lay-out of the experiment, postflight handling and results. (3) Simulation experiments on the ground with respect to the observed fading. (4) A new lay-out proposed for a future analogous experiment with AgCl-detectors.