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Solar particle events observed on MIR station
V A Shurshakov1, V M Petrov, Ivanov YuV
1State Scientific Center, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Moscow, Russia. shurshakov@mmcc.ibmp.rssi.ru
Radiation Measurements
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Large solar particle events (SPEs) pose significant radiation hazards for astronauts. Measurements on the MIR space station and interplanetary space reveal doses exceeding safety limits, necessitating countermeasures for future space missions.
Area of Science:
- Space physics
- Radiation biology
- Astronaut safety
Background:
- Solar particle events (SPEs) pose significant radiation risks during space missions.
- Previous measurements of SPE radiation doses have been limited in scope and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the radiation impact of SPEs on the MIR space station and in interplanetary space.
- To compare onboard radiation measurements with estimations from satellite data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the R-16 onboard radiation dosimeter on the MIR station.
- Employed the Liulin active dosimetric instrument for detailed SPE measurements.
- Compared MIR absorbed doses with interplanetary doses estimated by the METEOR satellite spectrometer.
Main Results:
- Absorbed doses from SPEs, particularly the September-October 1989 events, were measured.
- Equivalent dose beyond the magnetosphere from a large solar flare exceeded acute exposure limits.
- Doses were comparable to permissible limits for extended space missions.
Conclusions:
- Large SPEs represent a substantial hazard for interplanetary missions.
- Special administrative and technical countermeasures are required to mitigate SPE radiation risks.
- Further research into SPE shielding and monitoring is crucial for long-duration space exploration.