Measurement of near earth radiation environment -overview and plan-

Paper number

IAC-06-D5.2.02

Author

Dr. Tateo Goka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Year

2006

Abstract

Studies of the flux variability (short- and long-term) of radiation belt particles in the inner geo-magnetosphere are particularly important, not only for improving our understanding of the relevant phenomena associated with them, but also for engineering considerations viz. a viz. spacecraft anomalies due to space environment effects (Electro-Static Discharge (ESD), Single-Event Upset (SEU), Total Dose, and Non-Ionizing Energetic Radiation Effects). Therefore, ongoing radiation measurement and monitoring by satellites is a requirement. The current status of measuring radiation using JAXA satellites is reviewed.  Starting with Engineering Test Satellite-V (ETS-V; KIKU-5 in Japanese) in 1987, efforts to conduct radiation measurements in space have continued using almost all former NASDA (now JAXA) satellites (ETS-VI, ADEOS, ADEOS-II, MDS-1, DRTS (ongoing), and ALOS (ongoing)), in geostationary orbit (GEO), geostationary-transfer orbit (GTO), and low-Earth orbit (LEO).  Electrons, protons, alpha particles, and heavy ions have been the main objects of study.  
  We have measured neutron environment in real time using the Bonner Ball Neutron Detector (BBND) inside the space shuttle STS-89 in 1998. We have also measured neutron environment using BBND inside the International Space Station US Laboratory module for over eight months, from 23 March through 14 November 2001, corresponding to the maximum solar-activity period. Useful data was acquired for 219 days. This study was designed and conducted by JAXA in partnership with the NASA Human Research Facility (HRF) project. 
Future plans for radiation monitoring in Japan, including GOSAT, Jason-2 (collaboration with CNES) Smart-Sat and ISS/JEM/Exposure Facility/SEDA-AP, are presented. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-D5.2.02.pdf

Manuscript document

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