Identification of an unexpected space radiation hazard

Author

Blake, J.B. ; Gussenhoven, M.S. ; Mullen, E.G. ; Fillius, R.W.

Author_Institution

Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA, USA

Volume

39

Issue

6

fYear

1992

fDate

12/1/1992 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1761

Lastpage

1764

Abstract

A new radiation belt was formed on 24 March 1991 by the interaction of a strong shock in the solar wind with the Earth´s magnetosphere. The authors describe observations of the moment of creation by sensors aboard the CRRES (Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite). The electrons and protons injected into the magnetosphere in this event are highly penetrating and represent a threat to spacecraft orbiting in that region of near-Earth space. It is pointed out that the injection event was completely unexpected and may have been a unique occurrence in magnitude during 35 years of space research. However, the response of the early particle sensors to such an event is not obvious, and therefore a definitive conclusion is difficult to make

Keywords

artificial satellites; radiation belts; solar flares; spacecraft charging; CRRES satellite observations; Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite; March 1991 activity; electron injection; particle sensors response; proton injection; radiation belt; space radiation hazard; spacecraft problems; Belts; Earth; Electric shock; Electrons; Hazards; Magnetic sensors; Magnetosphere; Radiation effects; Satellites; Sensor phenomena and characterization;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9499

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/23.211364

Filename

211364