Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Measurements of energetic particle radiation in transit to Mars on the Mars Science Laboratory
C Zeitlin1, D M Hassler, F A Cucinotta
1Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO, USA. zeitlin@boulder.swri.edu
Abstract:
The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, containing the Curiosity rover, was launched to Mars on 26 November 2011, and for most of the 253-day, 560-million-kilometer cruise to Mars, the Radiation Assessment Detector made detailed measurements of the energetic particle radiation environment inside the spacecraft. These data provide insights into the radiation hazards that would be associated with a human mission to Mars. We report measurements of the radiation dose, dose equivalent, and linear energy transfer spectra. The dose equivalent for even the shortest round-trip with current propulsion systems and comparable shielding is found to be 0.66 ± 0.12 sievert.
Related Concept Videos
Momentum And Radiation Pressure
Impact: Problem Solving
By designating the launch point as the origin and utilizing kinematic equations, the vertical component of the projectile's velocity at the point of impact is...
Electronic Distance Measuring Instruments
Radiation Pressure: Problem Solving
The average value of the rate of momentum transfer divided by the absorbing area represents the average force per...
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Conversion of Units
The first step in the unit conversion is to list the given units and the units required...
