Advances in space radiation physics and transport at NASA

Area of Science:

• Space radiation physics and environmental characterization.
• Computational modeling for space radiation transport.

Background:

• The space radiation environment is a complex mixture of particles from galactic and solar sources.
• Geomagnetic fields, planetary bodies, and shielding modify radiation exposure.
• Galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events pose significant risks to astronauts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in space radiation environment characterization models.
• To highlight contributions from NASA Langley Research Center over the past decade.
• To identify remaining gaps in modeling for future space missions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of computational models and dosimetry for radiation field characterization.
• Coupled models for ambient radiation, shielding geometry, and nuclear interactions with transport codes.
• Focused on progress in computational tools developed and applied by NASA Langley Research Center.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in computational models for space radiation.
• Current models are capable of characterizing radiation environments for various mission scenarios.
• Review highlights advancements in understanding and predicting space radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

• Despite advancements, uncertainties persist in space radiation models.
• Continued model improvement is necessary to address remaining gaps for future missions.
• Accurate characterization of space radiation environments is crucial for astronaut safety.