Comparison of model predictions with LDEF satellite radiation measurements

Solar cycle variation of the low-altitude trapped proton flux

Under NASA's Space Environment Effects (SEE) program, we are developing new models for the low-altitude (250-1000 km, L < 1.5) trapped radiation environment based on data from the TIROS/NOAA polar orbiting spacecraft. The unique features of this data base and model include the long time series (more than one complete solar cycle) obtained from the TIROS/NOAA data and the use of a coordinate system more applicable to the low-altitude environment. The data show a strong variation (as much as a factor of 10) over the solar cycle and a hysteresis effect between the rising and falling portions of the solar cycle. Both the solar cycle variation and the hysteresis are functions of L. In addition to the hysteresis effect, the flux during a given cycle appears to be a function of the previous cycle. Superimposed on the gradual variation over the solar cycle, transient effects, correlated with solar particle events (SPEs), can be clearly seen. Comparison with the AP8 models shows that the measured flux is a factor of 2-3 higher than the model. These data have important implications for the development and use of trapped radiation models, and will also contribute to our knowledge of the source and loss mechanisms at work in the inner zone

Mass model of the LDEF satellite spacecraft and experiments for ionizing radiation analyses

A three-dimensional (3D) mass model of the LDEF spacecraft and selected experiments has been developed to allow the influence of material shielding on ionizing radiation measurements and analyses to be determined accurately. This computer model has been applied in a stand-alone mode to provide 3D shielding distributions around radiation dosimeters to aid data interpretation, and has been interfaced with radiation transport codes for a variety of different types of radiation predictions. This paper summarizes the methodology used, the level of detail incorporated, and some example model applications.

Predictions of the nuclear activation of materials on LDEF produced by the space radiation environment and comparison with flight measurements

Model calculations have been made to compare with the induced radioactivity measured for materials on the LDEF satellite. Predictions and data comparisons are made for aluminum spacecraft components and for vanadium and nickel samples placed at multiple locations on the spacecraft. The calculated vs observed activations provide an indication of present model uncertainties in predicting nuclear activation as well as the magnitude and directionality of the trapped proton environment for low-Earth orbit missions. Environment model uncertainties based on the activation measurements are consistent with the uncertainties evaluated using other LDEF radiation dosimetry data.