Detection of Artificial Sources of Nuclear Radiation in Space. Revision
Abstract
The gamma-ray experiment on board NASA's Solar Maximum Mission Satellite (SMM) has detected nuclear radiation emitted from the reactor on COSMOS 1176. Direct observations of gamma-rays and possibly neutrons from this reactor have been made at distances as close as about 350 km. Nuclear line features have been observed in the gamma-ray spectrum. Explanations for some of these features are presented. The absolute power of the reactor is difficult to estimate at present; however, there is evidence that both the intensity and spectral shape of the emitted radiation changed significantly during the operational period of COSMOS. The reactor was also detected at distances of > or = 6,300 km in an indirect manner. Positrons and electrons escaping from the COSMOS spacecraft following production by the intense gamma-radiation are stored temporarily in the Earth's magnetic field and unambiguous signal due to their characteristic annihilation into gamm-rays at 511 keV. Details of these observations and their implications are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209720
Entities
People
- E. L. Chupp
- Gerald H. Share
- J. A. Eisele
- James D. Kurfess
- K. W. Marlow
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory