Status of the DESIRE project: Geant4 physics validation studies and first results from Columbus/ISS radiation simulations

The DESIRE (Dose Estimation by Simulation of the ISS Radiation Environment) project aims to accurately calculate radiation fluxes and doses to astronauts inside the European Columbus module of the International Space Station using Geant4. Firstly physics benchmark studies have been performed and comparisons made to experimental data and other particle transport programs. This will be followed by a detailed evaluation of the incident radiation fields on the ISS and culminate with the geometry modeling and full-scale flux and dose simulations for the Columbus. Geant4 validation studies are presented here. These concern the angle and energy distribution of particles leaving irradiated targets and of energy depositions in the targets. Comparisons are made between simulations using different Geant4 physics models, experimental data and other particle transport programs. Geant4 using the "Binary Cascade" model for inelastic nucleon reactions performs very well in these comparisons but some issues with other models remain to be resolved if these models are to be used for space radiation shielding applications. Results of Geant4 simulations of the transport of relevant radiation field components through the hull of the Columbus/ISS are also presented.