On-Orbit Radiation Monitoring Using p-FET Dosimeter

Eight Lockheed Martin built telecommunications spacecraft operating at Geosynchronous Earth Orbit employ integrated spacecraft environmental monitoring systems which include dosimeters. Dosimeters were designed to provide measured on-orbit dose and dose rates for common spacecraft applications. The present study reviews sensor data during six years of in orbit operation as well as a notable Solar Cycle 23 space weather event. Results suggest favorable performance and illustrate the importance and the potential benefits of low mass, low power, low cost on-spacecraft dosimetry as a supplement to dedicated scientific data and space situational awareness. In orbit data assembled to date provides information that is useful in improving radiation modeling and prediction methods as well as radiation test methodology as related to realistic dose rates.