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Solar modulation and nuclear fragmentation effects in galactic cosmic ray transport through shielding
L W Townsend1, F A Cucinotta, J W Wilson
1NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681-0001, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Astronauts face significant radiation exposure from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) during space missions. This study estimates GCR dose levels, considering environmental variations and shielding effects, to improve mission safety.
Area of Science:
- Space radiation physics
- Astrobiology
- Radiation protection
Background:
- Manned interplanetary missions expose crews to galactic cosmic rays (GCR).
- Accurate dose estimations are crucial for astronaut health and mission planning.
- Understanding radiation transport and shielding is vital for mitigating risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate GCR dose levels for crews on interplanetary missions.
- To analyze the impact of temporal and spatial GCR variations on dose.
- To assess the effects of spacecraft and self-shielding on radiation fields.
Main Methods:
- Describing physical processes of shielding altering radiation fields.
- Presenting model calculations for dose estimations.
- Incorporating uncertainties in nuclear fragmentation models.
Main Results:
- Estimates quantify dose level variations due to GCR environmental changes.
- Shielding effects on radiation transport are analyzed.
- Impact of solar modulation and inter-solar cycle variations on dose is evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Accurate GCR dose assessment requires considering environmental dynamics and shielding.
- Model uncertainties and quality factor changes influence dose calculations.
- Findings support the development of effective radiation protection strategies for long-duration spaceflight.