The Space Radiation Environment at 840 KM
Abstract
The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F7 satellite, launched in November 1983, carries a dosimeter provided by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory. The dosimeter uses planar silicon detectors behind four thicknesses of aluminum shielding to measure both radiation dose and high energy particle fluxes in the space radiation environment at 840 km. Energy thresholds in the detectors are set to distinguish low (electron), high (proton), and very high (>40 MeV) energy particle depositions. The dosimeter returns accurate, high-time-resolution doses measurements. Maps of the radiation dose (electron and proton) at 840 km are presented and compared to the NASA models. Maps of the very high energy deposits which can produce Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in the microelectronic components are also presented. Characteristics of energetic particles that enter the polar cap regions during solar particle events are discussed and compared to inner belt proton and cosmic ray background levels. Included is an analysis of two of the largest solar proton events since launch of the satellite, those of 16 February, 1984, and 26 April, l984. Keywords: Radiation belts; Dose; Solar proton events; Single event upsets; Outer zone electrons; Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 27, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210337
Entities
People
- D. A. Hardy
- E. G. Mullen
- M. S. Gussenhoven
Organizations
- Air Force Systems Command