Analysis of radiation dose increases caused by solar cosmic ray events observed by the radiation monitoring system on the Russian segment of the International Space Station Original Research Article

From August 2001 a radiation monitoring system has been functioning on board the Russian segment of International Space Station. Distinction of this system from all previous ones consists in the possibility of measuring in real time the dose rate in fixed points of the module and estimating such important parameters of radiation field as dose–depth curve and spatial non-uniformity of the field. The obtained characteristics permit to estimate and forecast dose values practically in any point of the station including representative points of a body if there is shielding function for these points. As an equal system can be recommended for a manned interplanetary spacecraft it is of great interest to analyze the functioning of radiation during solar proton events that took place during the flight. Dose values measured during four solar proton events by the onboard dosimeters in different points of the Russian module are given. Estimations of equivalent dose in critical organs and adequate effective dose for spherical phantom are presented.