LET spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei for near earth orbits

Measurements of cosmic-ray LET spectra were part of the radiobiological space research programs during the Spacelab 1 (SL-1) and the D1 missions. We analyzed CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors of the Advanced Biostack experiment of SL-1 and of the Dosimetric Mapping and Carausius morosus experiments in the BIORACK on D1. The particle tracks in the CR-39 were detected and measured by an automatic scanning and measuring system. An in-flight calibration was derived from track measurements of minimum ionizing oxygen and iron nuclei and of stopping nuclei as a function of the residual range. LET spectra measured at different locations in the space shuttle are presented and discussed for both missions. A model describing the effects of the geomagnetic field of the earth on charged cosmic-ray particles and the shielding by matter is used to calculate LET spectra for the two missions and for typical space station orbits at low inclinations. A comparison of measured LET spectra and LET spectra calculated for different flight parameters shows that besides geomagnetic shielding the shielding by matter is most important in comparison to solar modulation and to variation of particle flux with flight altitude. Model calculations must be improved and must consider more detailed sectored shielding by matter and the influence of trapped radiation. The last item is of importance in the case of low-inclination orbits.