ALTEA in the ISS: status of the data analysis
- Paper number
IAC-08.A2.6.B2
- Author
Prof. livio narici, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Alessia Ciccotelli, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Luca Di Fino, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Marianna Larosa, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Chiara La Tessa, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Piergiorgio Picozza, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Adele Rinaldi, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Coauthor
Prof. Walter Sannita, University of Genova, Italy
- Coauthor
Dr. Veronica Zaconte, University of Rome - Tor Vergata, Italy
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The ALTEA program is aimed at the investigation of the interaction of the ionizing radiation in space with brain functions, and at the definition of the related risk parameters. It features a series of experiment in space (ALTEA-space), aimed at studying the radiation environment in the ISS and the electrophysiological brain dynamics correlated with particle passages in the brain/eyes, as well as a number of support experiments in ground based accelerators. ALTEA – space features 6 active striped silicon particle detectors able to measure energy delivered and trajectory of each ion, assembled on an helmet shaped holder; a 32 channels EEG system, a visual stimulator unit, which permit also dark adaptation, and a three way pushbutton to signal the perception of a light flash. The measurement are performed in two protocols: unmanned (DOSI: Dosimetry) when the six detectors run continuously measuring the radiation environment, and manned (CNSM: Central Nervous System Monitoring) when the astronaut wears the EEG cap, insert the EEG electrodes and slide her/his head into the helmet with the detectors, having the particles impinging in the head measured, as well as the electrophysiological dynamics for about 1.5 h (one orbit). ALTEA – space has been operative for one year in the USLab – ISS, between August 2006 and July 2007. Operations will resume at the end of 2008 thanks to an Agreement between NASA and the Italian Space Agency. A follow up experiment (ALTEA – shield) is going to start early 2009. In this paper we will show the status of the analysis performed on the ALTEA data. This includes i) the study of the radiation environment (DOSI), where the ALTEA particle detectors are able to discriminate and study the ions between Be and Fe, ii) the data from the December 2006 Solar Particle Events, for the first time measured inside a spacecraft with this discriminating ability, and iii) the data relative to the seven manned sessions (CNSM) where the astronaut’s electrophysiological dynamics is investigated concurrently with the study of the particles impinging in the brain/eye. The ion candidates (all “light” ions, Z?5) as cause of an anomalous perception of light flashes will be described. These last results will be presented within the panorama of the existing knowledge about light flashes perceptions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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