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Title: AERIAL MEASURING SYSTEM IN JAPAN

Journal Article · · Health Physics

The U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Agency’s Aerial Measuring System deployed personnel and equipment to partner with the U.S. Air Force in Japan to conduct multiple aerial radiological surveys. These were the first and most comprehensive sources of actionable information for U.S. interests in Japan and provided early confirmation to the government of Japan as to the extent of the release from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Generation Station. Many challenges were overcome quickly during the first 48 hours; including installation and operation of Aerial Measuring System equipment on multiple U.S. Air Force Japan aircraft, flying over difficult terrain, and flying with talented pilots who were unfamiliar with the Aerial Measuring System flight patterns. These all combined to make for a dynamic and non-textbook situation. In addition, the data challenges of the multiple and on-going releases, and integration with the Japanese government to provide valid aerial radiological survey products that both military and civilian customers could use to make informed decisions, was extremely complicated. The Aerial Measuring System Fukushima response provided insight in addressing these challenges and gave way to an opportunity for the expansion of the Aerial Measuring System’s mission beyond the borders of the US.

Research Organization:
Nevada Test Site (NTS), Mercury, NV (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Emergency Operations
DOE Contract Number:
AC52-06NA25946
OSTI ID:
1057089
Report Number(s):
DOE/NV/25946-1399
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Vol. 102, Issue 5; ISSN 0017-9078
Publisher:
Health Physics Society
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English