Production of neutrons from interactions of GCR-like particles

In order to help assess the risk to astronauts due to the long-term exposure to the natural radiation environment in space, an understanding of how the primary radiation field is changed when passing through shielding and tissue materials must be obtained. One important aspect of the change in the primary radiation field after passing through shielding materials is the production of secondary particles from the breakup of the primary. Neutrons are an important component of the secondary particle field due to their relatively high biological weighting factors, and due to their relative abundance, especially behind thick shielding scenarios. Because of the complexity of the problem, the estimation of the risk from exposure to the secondary neutron field must be handled using calculational techniques. However, those calculations will need an extensive set of neutron cross section and thicktarget neutron yield data in order to make an accurate assessment of the risk. In this paper we briefly survey the existing neutron-production data sets that are applicable to the space radiation transport problem, and we point out how neutron production from protons is different than neutron production from heavy ions. We also make comparisons of one the heavy-ion data sets with Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck (BUU) calculations.     

月球（火星）中子（水冰）探测仪初步方案研究

中子（水冰）探测仪在月球、火星和太阳系其它天体的水冰存在和含量分布的探测中有重要应用。文章主要介绍了美国、俄罗斯等国在月球、火星水冰探测中的中子探测仪的使用情况和探测结果,以及搭载于奥德赛（Odyssey）火星探测器上的中子谱仪、高能中子探测仪和＂月球勘测轨道器＂（LRO）上的月球勘测中子探测仪、计划搭载于美国＂火星科学实验室＂（MSL）上的中子反射动能测量仪的主要原理。最后提出了我国的一种中子探测仪的初步方案设想。     

Study of radiation conditions onboard the International space station by means of the Liulin-5 dosimeter

For estimating radiation risk in space flights it is necessary to determine radiation dose obtained by critical organs of a human body. For this purpose the experiments with human body models are carried out onboard spacecraft. These models represent phantoms equipped with passive and active radiation detectors which measure dose distributions at places of location of critical organs. The dosimetric Liulin-5 telescope is manufactured with using three silicon detectors for studying radiation conditions in the spherical tissue-equivalent phantom on the Russian segment of the International space station (ISS). The purpose of the experiment with Liulin-5 instrument is to study dynamics of the dose rate and particle flux in the phantom, as well as variations of radiation conditions on the ISS over long time intervals depending on a phase of the solar activity cycle, orbital parameters, and presence of solar energetic particles. The Liulin-5 dosimeter measures simultaneously the dose rate and fluxes of charged particles at three depths in the radial channel of the phantom, as well as the linear energy transfer. The paper presents the results of measurements of dose rate and particle fluxes caused by various radiation field components on the ISS during the period from June 2007 till December 2009.     

Space radiation dosimetry

In this report dosimetric measurements are presented which were performed during the missions Spacelab 1, D 1, Biocosmos 8 and Biocosmos 9. Detector packages consisting of plastic nuclear track detectors, nuclear emulsions and thermoluminescence dosimeters were exposed at different locations inside and outside spacecrafts behind more or less well defined shielding thicknesses. These detector systems which supplement each other in their registration characteristic allow to record all biological relevant portions of the radiation field separately. Dose equivalents for the astronauts have been calculated from the measurements using the quality factors as defined in the old and the new recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP).     

Species and temperature exchange in the atmosphere of “BION-M” spacecraft

On going flights of Foton satellites allow to carry out research in the following domains: effect of space flight and outer space factors such as microgravity, artificial gravity and space radiation on physical processes and biological organisms. Experts from many Russian and foreign scientific institutions participated in the research. Over a period of time from 1973 to 1997 there were launched 11 BION satellites designed by the Central Specialized Design Bureau for carrying out fundamental and applied research in the field of space biology, medicine, radio physics and radiobiology with participation of specialists from the foreign countries.The goal of the present investigation was in developing a numerical simulator aimed at determining gas concentration and temperature fields established inside the scientific module of the spacecraft “Bion-M” and to perform optimization studies, which could meet strong requirements for air quality and temperature range allowable for operation of different biological experiments.     

ESA's Biopan 1--"Vitamin" experiment preliminary results

The purpose of “Vitamin” experiment is to study the efficiency of protective substances on three biological acellular systems aqueous solutions exposed to cosmic radiation in space. The first system “LDL”is a low density lipoprotein. The second is “E2-TeBG complexe” in which estradiol (E2) is bound to its plasmatic carrier protein, testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG). The third is “pBR 322”, a plasmid. “Vitamin” experiment was accomodated in the Biopan which had been mounted on the outer surface of a Foton retrievable satellite. The experiment was exposed to space environment during 15 days. A stable temperature of about 20 °C was maintained throughout the flight. “Vitamin” experiment preliminary results are presented and discussed.     

航天器舱内中子辐射探测技术

航天器舱内中子对于舱内电子设备和人员安全都存在潜在的巨大威胁,中子探测对于改进航天器防护层的设计,保护设备与人员安全都具有重要的意义。然而舱内中子辐射环境复杂,中子探测会受到带电粒子的干扰。文章主要调研了国外中子辐射环境及其效应探测载荷技术的发展现状,并对国外典型的中子辐射环境探测器的技术特点进行了总结。结合国外中子探测技术发展动态和我国的技术状况,对我国进一步发展载人航天器舱内中子辐射环境探测技术提出了建议。     

一种基于石墨烯的脉冲星导航X射线探测器

针对脉冲星导航要求X射线探测器具有高能量分辨率和高时间分辨率的需求,研究基于石墨烯电场效应来实现X射线探测的可行性。通过蒙特卡罗方法模拟不同能量X射线和不同厚度探测器基底的相互作用过程,得到不同厚度探测器对X射线的探测效率。利用有限元方法分析X射线在探测器内电离产生载流子的输运过程,验证了X射线入射对石墨烯电学特性的影响。理论分析计算探测器的时间分辨率和能量分辨率等指标参数,结果表明：基于石墨烯电场效应的X射线探测器具有较高的能量分辨率和时间分辨率,是一种潜力巨大的X射线探测方式,可满足未来脉冲星导航的工程应用。     

Evaluation of the spectrometric and dose characteristics of neutron fields inside the Russian segment of the ISS by fission detectors

The results of measuring the dose and the energy spectrum of neutrons inside the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) from March 21 until November 10, 2002 are presented. Statistically reliable results of measurement are obtained by using thorium- and uranium-based fission detectors with cadmium and boron filters. The kits of the detectors with filters have been arranged in three compartments within assembled passive detectors in the BRADOS space experiment. The ambient dose rate H* = 139 μSv day and an energy spectrum of neutrons in the range of 10^–2–10⁴ MeV is obtained as average for the ISS compartments and is compared with the measurements carried out inside the compartments of the MIR space station. Recommendations on how to improve the procedure for using the fission detectors to measure the characteristics of neutron fields inside the compartments of space stations are formulated.     

总剂量探测技术的空间应用

空间辐射对飞行器可造成辐射损伤甚至失效,对航天员的生命健康安全存在着威胁。随着航天活动的深入,对空间辐射探测技术的发展提出了更高的要求。通过辐射敏感场效应晶体管（RADFET）探测技术设计研制了总剂量探测器,介绍了探测器的设计原理和测试数据分析,以及研究发展方向和空间应用展望。     

Dosimetric measurements in manned missions

Detector packages consisting of thermoluminescence detectors (TLDs), nuclear emulsions and plastic nuclear track detectors were exposed in different sections of the MIR space station, inside the Spacelab during the IML1 mission, and inside Spacelab module and tunnel during the D2 mission. This report concentrates on total dose measurements with TLDs during these mission. The results are discussed and compared to results of former missions and to calculations. Finally, dose equivalents and mean quality factors for each mission are presented which are derived from the TLD results and results obtained from the other detector systems. Dose equivalents range between 200 μSvd⁻¹ and 700 μSvd⁻¹.     

空间粉尘探测器研究进展

文章在系统地总结空间粉尘（微小空间碎片和微流星体）探测技术的基础上,重点分析了压电型探测器、半导体型探测器、电离型探测器、组合式探测器等的工作原理、技术特点及其应用,同时简要评述了空间粉尘探测技术的发展趋势。     

A method for determination of gamma-ray direction in space

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are short and most intense bursts of gamma-rays that come from random direction in space. Their origins are still unknown and they originate likely from cosmological distances, probably after birth of a new black hole or death of a giant star. In this work, Geant simulations of a detector array aiming identification of gamma-ray directions in space were performed and a method was used for this identification. The array consists of three quadratic NaI(Tl) scintillators which are facing different directions. The method is based on the difference of the counts registered in these three detectors. This form of the array which can scan three dimensions in space is crucial to pinpoint origin of the GRBs. The array would also be applicable in various fields where identifications of the gamma-ray directions are necessary.     

A Canadian high-energy neutron spectrometry system for measurements in space

Bubble Technology Industries Inc. (BTI), with the support of the Canadian Space Agency, has finished the construction of the Canadian High-Energy Neutron Spectrometry System (CHENSS). This spectrometer is intended to measure the high energy neutron spectrum (approximately 1-100 MeV) encountered in spacecraft in low earth orbit. CHENSS is designed to fly aboard a US space shuttle and its scientific results should facilitate the prediction of neutron dose to astronauts in space from readings of different types of radiation dosimeters that are being used in various missions.     

Advanced detectors and instruments for small satellites

This paper presents some approaches to the development of advanced detectors and to miniaturized instrument design which are pursued in the Institute of Space Sensor Technology of DLR (the German Aerospace Research Establishment). The instrument design approach is demonstrated for a low-weight (3 kg) dual camera system with narrow-angle in-track stereo and wide-angle multispectral features. Each camera has its own signal processor and 0,5 G Bit mass memory. The activities for advanced detector development are concentrated on two different kinds of detectors and instrumentations: infrared detector arrays and instruments at wavelengths out to about 240 μm, and superheterodyne receivers in the submillimeter and far-infrared spectral ranges.     

Dual-frequency ultrasound for detecting and sizing bubbles

ISS construction and Mars exploration require extensive extravehicular activity (EVA), exposing crewmembers to increased decompression sickness risk. Improved bubble detection technologies could help increase EVA efficiency and safety. Creare Inc. has developed a bubble detection and sizing instrument using dual-frequency ultrasound. The device emits “pump” and “image” signals at two frequencies. The low-frequency pump signal causes an appropriately-sized bubble to resonate. When the image frequency hits a resonating bubble, mixing signals are returned at the sum and difference of the two frequencies. To test the feasibility of transcutaneous intravascular detection, intravascular bubbles in anesthetized swine were produced using agitated saline and decompression stress. Ultrasonic transducers on the chest provided the two frequencies. Mixing signals were detected transthoracically in the right atrium using both methods. A histogram of estimated bubble sizes could be constructed. Bubbles can be detected and sized transthoracically in the right atrium using dual-frequency ultrasound.     

Cosmic dosimetry using TLD aboard spacecrafts of the "Cosmos" series

Thermoluminescent (TL) detectors were used for dosimetric investigations on the outer surface as well as inside Soviet spacecrafts of the "Cosmos" series. At the outer surface, ultrathin TL detectors, based on CaF2-PTFE and LiF, were arranged in special stacks and exposed to unshielded cosmic radiation. The strong decrease of dose within a few mg/cm2 demonstrates that weakly penetrating radiation is dominating in the radiation field under investigation. On the basis of glow curve analysis of LiF thermoluminescent detectors it could be shown, that the high doses are caused by electrons.     

Interplanetary crew dose estimates for worst case solar particle events based on historical data for the Carrington flare of 1859

Over the past two decades, hypothetical models of “worst-case” solar particle event (SPE) spectra have been proposed in order to place an upper bound on radiation doses to critical body organs of interplanetary crews on deep space missions. These event spectra are usually formulated using hypothetical extrapolations of space measurements for previous large events. Here we take a different approach. Recently reported analyses of ice core samples indicate that the Carrington flare of 1859 is the largest event observed in the past 500 years. These ice core data yield estimates of the proton fluence for energies greater than 30 MeV, but provide no other spectrum information. Assuming that the proton energy distribution for such an event is similar to that measured for other recent, large events, interplanetary crew doses are estimated for these hypothetical worst case SPE spectra. These estimated doses are life threatening unless substantial shielding is provided.     

基于变参数广义结构的距离扩展目标检测方法

针对特定杂波背景下的最优或次优检测器结构难以适应过渡杂波环境的问题，首先，给出基于变参数广义结构的距离扩展目标检测器，通过调整参数来适应杂波特性。其次，确定检测器最佳参数的经验公式，经验公式符合数值结果。最后，利用仿真试验分析检测器的检测性能。仿真结果表明，在介于高斯和复合高斯杂波之间的过渡环境中，提出的检测器比现有检测器具有更加优异的目标检测性能，对杂波非高斯程度时空渐变性具有较强的适应能力。     

红蓝光敏探测器空间环境效应探测数据分析

红蓝光敏太阳电池空间环境效应探测器利用镓铟磷和三结砷化镓太阳电池来探测空间污染、原子氧和辐射环境及效应,搭载在中国空间技术研究院自主研制的“新技术验证一号”卫星上。文章通过分析红蓝光敏探测器在轨1年时间的探测数据,得到如下结论：红蓝光敏探测器污染电池板功率下降2.7%,等效污染累积增加量2.23×10^-5 g/cm^2,日均6×10^-8 g/cm^2;原子氧探测器在轨道高度499.226 km运行11个月,原子氧积分通量探测数据为9.7×10^20 AO/cm^2;辐射效应探测器（三结砷化镓太阳电池）在轨1年后累计接受辐射剂量（等效1 MeV电子注量）5.49×10^11 e/cm^2。