Radiation measurements in the International Space Station, Columbus module, in 2020-2022 with the LIDAL detector

Life Sci Space Res (Amst). 2023 Nov:39:26-42. doi: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.03.007. Epub 2023 May 6.

Abstract

The Light Ion Detector for ALTEA (LIDAL) is a new instrument designed to measure flux, energy spectra and Time of Flight of ions in a space habitat. It was installed in the International Space Station (Columbus) on January 19, 2020 and it is still operating. This paper presents the results of LIDAL measurements in the first 17 months of operation (01/2020-05/2022). Particle flux, dose rate, Time of Flight and spectra are presented and studied in the three ISS orthogonal directions and in the different geomagnetic regions (high latitude, low latitude, and South Atlantic Anomaly, SAA). The results are consistent with previous measurements. Dose rates range between 1.8 nGy/s and 2.4 nGy/s, flux between 0.21 particles/(sr cm2 s) and 0.32 particles/(sr cm2 s) as measured across time and directions during the full orbit. These data offer insights concerning the radiation measurements in the ISS and demonstrate the capabilities of LIDAL as a unique tool for the measurement of space radiation in space habitats, also providing novel information relevant to assess radiation risks for astronauts.

MeSH terms

  • Cosmic Radiation*
  • Ions
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Monitoring* / methods
  • Solar Activity
  • Space Flight*
  • Spacecraft

Substances

  • Ions