MIDN: a spacecraft microdosimeter mission

Authors: Pisacane, V. L.; Ziegler, J. F.; Nelson, M. E.; Caylor, M.; Flake, D.; Heyen, L.; Youngborg, E.; Rosenfeld, A. B.; Cucinotta, F.; Zaider, M.; Dicello, J. F.

Source: Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Volume 120, Numbers 1-4, September 2006 , pp. 421-426(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Abstract:

MIDN (MIcroDosimetry iNstrument) is a payload on the MidSTAR-I spacecraft (Midshipman Space Technology Applications Research) under development at the United States Naval Academy. MIDN is a solid-state system being designed and constructed to measure microdosimetric spectra to determine radiation quality factors for space environments. Radiation is a critical threat to the health of astronauts and to the success of missions in low-Earth orbit and space exploration. The system will consist of three separate sensors, one external to the spacecraft, one internal and one embedded in polyethylene. Design goals are mass <3 kg and power <2 W. The MidSTAR-I mission in 2006 will provide an opportunity to evaluate a preliminary version of this system. Its low power and mass makes it useful for the International Space Station and manned and unmanned interplanetary missions as a real-time system to assess and alert astronauts to enhanced radiation environments.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/rpd/nci601

Publication date: 2006-09-01

More about this publication?

RPD publishes peer-reviewed papers covering all aspects of personal and environmental dosimetry and monitoring for both ionising and non-ionising radiations. This includes biological aspects, physical concepts, biophysical dosimetry, external and internal personal dosimetry and monitoring, environmental and workplace monitoring and accident dosimetry and dosimetry related to the protection of patients.