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Induced radioactivity of LDEF materials and structural components
B A Harmon1, C E Laird, G J Fishman
1NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL 35812, USA.
Radiation Measurements
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Measurements from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) reveal long-lived radionuclides created by space radiation. This data aids in refining radiation environment models and spacecraft design for future missions.
Area of Science:
- Space science
- Nuclear physics
- Materials science
Background:
- The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft experienced a unique space radiation environment for 5.8 years in low Earth orbit (LEO).
- Understanding radiation-induced activation is crucial for assessing material degradation and long-term effects on spacecraft components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze activation measurements from LDEF samples and structural components.
- To characterize the long-lived radionuclides produced by space radiation interactions.
- To create a database for validating radiation environment models and spacecraft design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized low and ultra-low background High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry.
- Analyzed retrieved activation samples and structural components from the LDEF spacecraft.
- Performed measurements at multiple national facilities for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- Detailed measurements of long-lived radionuclides produced by proton- and neutron-induced reactions.
- Observed directionally dependent activation patterns within the LEO environment.
- Characterized depth profiles of activation, thermal neutron activation, and surface Beryllium-7 deposition.
Conclusions:
- The LDEF activation measurements provide critical data on the space radiation environment.
- Findings contribute to improved accuracy in space radiation environmental models.
- The generated database supports enhanced spacecraft design and radiation shielding strategies.