Shield Optimization Program: Part II, Effects of Van Allen Belt (VAB) radiation on SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) weapon platforms
The effects of both natural and man-made Van Allen Belt (VAB) radiation at an altitude of 500 km are presented for various components of a prototypic space-based interceptor (SBI) weapon platform. The weapon platform is described in detail and represents the authors' concept of such a system. The calculated results show that the SBI platform will survive long term (10 years) exposure to natural VAB protons and electrons. However, when the electron belts are enhanced by the detonation of a nuclear weapon, high levels of radiation can be expected in components mounted on or near the surface of the spacecraft. These dose levels are sufficient enough to produce damage in the most sensitive components. 12 refs., 3 figs., 15 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 6655908
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-10957; ON: DE89004302
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
42 ENGINEERING
SPACE WEAPONS
RADIATION EFFECTS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
OPTIMIZATION
RADIATION BELTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
SENSITIVITY
SHIELDING
EQUIPMENT
440200* - Radiation Effects on Instrument Components
Instruments
or Electronic Systems
420200 - Engineering- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques