Shielding distribution for anisotropic radiation in low earth orbit
The highly directional nature of radiation encountered in low earth orbit (LEO) can be a basis for distributing mass for spacecraft radiation shielding. Trapped (Van Allen) radiation at low altitudes is concentrated within a plane perpendicular to the local geometric field lines. Trapped high-energy protons (which penetrate the relatively thin shielding required for electrons) have a pronounced east-west asymmetry at low altitudes, with the flux from the west much higher than that from the east. By distributing radition shielding mass in response to these anisotropies, spacecraft mass can be reduced, the altitude limits of LEO extended, and the exposure of men and sensitive materials decreased. Geophysical behavior of trapped radiation is reviewed with particular emphasis on the factors responsible for radiation anisotropy. Shielding distribution in response to anisotropic radiation is then explored for consistently oriented spherical and cylindrical spacecraft. The 28.5-deg orbital inclination is considered in detail, with a brief extension of the concepts to other inclinations. These radiation shielding concepts may find near-term application in Space Station design. 21 references.
- Research Organization:
- Genenral Dynamics Corp., San Diego, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 5794872
- Journal Information:
- J. Spacecr. Rockets; (United States), Vol. 23
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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