Measurements of the linear energy transfer spectra on the Mir orbital station and comparison with radiation transport models

• Published in: Radiation measurements 1996-03, Vol.26 (2), p.147-158
• Main Authors: Badhwar, G.D., Konradi, A., Atwell, W., Golightly, M.J., Cucinotta, F.A., Wilson, J.W., Petrov, V.M., Tchernykh, I.V., Shurshakov, V.A., Lobakov, A.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial earth satellites; Astronomy; Brazil; Cosmic Radiation; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations; Life Sciences (General); Linear Energy Transfer; Models, Theoretical; Neutrons; Protons; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Monitoring - instrumentation; Radiometry - instrumentation; Solar Activity; Space Flight - instrumentation
• ISSN: 1350-4487; 1879-0925
• DOI: 10.1016/1350-4487(95)00290-1

A tissue equivalent proportional counter designed to measure the linear energy transfer spectra (LET) in the range 0.2–1250 keV/μm was flown in the Kvant module on the Mir orbital station during September 1994. The spacecraft was in a 51.65° inclination, elliptical (390 × 402 km) orbit. This is nearly the lower limit of its flight altitude. The total absorbed dose rate measured was 411.3 ± 4.41 μGy/day with an average quality factor of 2.44. The galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) dose rate was 133.6 μGy/day with a quality factor of 3.35. The trapped radiation belt dose rate was 277.7 μGy/day with an average quality factor of 1.94. The peak rate through the South Atlantic Anomaly was ∼ 12μGy/min and nearly constant from one pass to another. A detailed comparison of the measured LET spectra has been made with radiation transport models. The GCR results are in good agreement with model calculations; however, this is not the case for radiation belt particles and again points to the need for improving the AP8 omni-directional trapped proton models.