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LDEF radiation measurements: preliminary results.
B A Harmon1, G J Fishman, T A Parnell
1Universities Space Research Association, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812.
International Journal of Radiation Applications and Instrumentation. Part D, Nuclear Tracks and Radiation Measurements
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) study analyzed the low Earth orbit (LEO) radiation environment. Results confirm radiation flux models and predict future mission radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Space science
- Materials science
- Radiation physics
Background:
- The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft orbited Earth for nearly 6 years.
- Understanding the space radiation environment is crucial for long-duration missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radiation environment in low Earth orbit (LEO).
- To assess the effects of space radiation on materials.
- To validate models predicting radiation exposure for future LEO missions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized passive techniques with onboard detectors from LDEF experiments.
- Analyzed induced radioactivities in various materials exposed to space radiation.
Main Results:
- Presented preliminary absorbed dose measurements.
- Observed effects indicating anisotropy in the charged particle flux in LEO.
- Reported induced activities in different materials.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide data to confirm environmental flux models.
- Quantitative results will aid in predicting radiation for extended LEO missions.
- Demonstrated the impact of LEO radiation on materials over long durations.