Title :
Early Results From the Engineering Radiation Monitor (ERM) and Solar Cell Monitor on the Van Allen Probes Mission
Author :
Maurer, R.H. ; Goldsten, J.O. ; Peplowski, P.N. ; Holmes-Siedle, A.G. ; Butler, Michael H. ; Herrmann, Carl C. ; Mauk, Barry H.
Author_Institution :
Space Dept., Johns Hopkins Univ. Appl. Phys. Lab., Laurel, MD, USA
Abstract :
The Engineering Radiation Monitor (ERM) measures dose, dose rate and charging currents on the Van Allen Probes mission to study the dynamics of earth´s Van Allen radiation belts. Early results from this monitor show a variation in dose rates with time, a correlation between the dosimeter and charging current data, a map of charging current versus orbit altitude and a comparison of cumulative dose to pre-launch modeling after 260 days. Solar cell degradation monitor patches track the decrease in solar array output as displacement damage accumulates.
Keywords :
dosimeters; field effect transistors; radiation belts; radiation hardening (electronics); solar cells; solar powered vehicles; space vehicle electronics; ERM; charging current data; displacement damage; dose measurement; dose rate; dosimeter; earth van Allen radiation belts; engineering radiation monitor; orbit altitude; radFET detectors; solar array output; solar cell degradation monitor; van Allen probe mission; Degradation; Dosimetry; Photovoltaic cells; Probes; Radiation monitoring; Space missions; Temperature sensors; Dosimeters; radFET detectors; radiation environment; solar cell degradation; spacecraft charging currents;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNS.2013.2281937
