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PROTON RADIATION HAZARDS IN SPACE

Journal Article · · Astronautics
OSTI ID:4086798

Proton radiation in space will come from both the Van Allen Belt and solar flares. Although the transitory radiation fluxes from these flares contain a variety of particles, the proton componert is chiefly responsible for radiation effects on man. Observations of proton flux after the solar flares of May 10, 1959. and February 23, 1956, were studied to determine the basic differences in depth-dose pattern as compared to the proton beam in the inner Van Allen Belt. Absolute and normalized depth-dose rates were determined for a spherical tissue target 52 cm in diameter (75 kg). Mean and instantaneous relative biological effectiveness were calculated for the radiation fields. The most suitable shielding would be material of low atomic number, which would have the additional advantage of also affording optimal protection against electrons. (M.C.G.)

Research Organization:
U.S. School of Aviation Medicine, Pensacola, Fla.
NSA Number:
NSA-15-011379
OSTI ID:
4086798
Journal Information:
Astronautics, Journal Name: Astronautics Vol. Vol: 6: No. 2
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English