Onboard cross-calibration of the Pille-ISS Detector System and measurement of radiation shielding effect of the water filled protective curtain in the ISS crew cabin. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Szántó, P.; Apáthy, I.; Deme, S.; Hirn, A.; Nikolaev, I.V.; Pázmándi, T.; Shurshakov, V.A.; Tolochek, R.V.; Yarmanova, E.N.
• Is Part Of: Radiation measurements. Volume 82(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Pille -- Thermoluminescence -- Radiation protection -- Space dosimetry -- International Space Station; Nuclear emulsions -- Periodicals; Particle tracks (Nuclear physics) -- Periodicals; Thermoluminescence -- Periodicals; Cosmic rays -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Radiometry -- Periodicals; Radiation Monitoring -- Periodicals; Émulsions nucléaires -- Périodiques; Particules (Physique nucléaire) -- Traces -- Périodiques; Thermoluminescence -- Périodiques; Rayonnement cosmique -- Périodiques; Radiométrie -- Périodiques; 539.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2015.08.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4487

Abstract

Abstract: As a preparation for long duration space missions it is important to determine and minimize the impact of space radiation on human health. One of the methods to diminish the radiation burden is using an additional local shielding in the places where the crewmembers can stay for longer time. To increase the crew cabin shielding a special protective curtain was designed and delivered to ISS in 2010 containing four layers of hygienic wipes and towels providing an additional shielding thickness of about 8 g/cm 2 water-equivalent matter. The radiation shielding effect of the protective curtain, in terms of absorbed dose, was measured with the thermoluminescent Pille-ISS Detector System. In order to verify the reliability of the Pille system an onboard cross-calibration was also performed. The measurement proved that potentially 25% reduction of the absorbed dose rate in the crew cabin can be achieved, that results in 8% (∼16 μGy/day) decrease of the total absorbed dose to the crew, assuming that they spend 8 h in the crew cabin a day. Highlights: The dose level in the ISS Zvezda crew quarters is higher than the average dose level in the module. A shielding made of hygienic wipes and towels was set up onboard as additional protection. Onboard cross calibration of the Pille-ISS space dosimeter (TL) system was performed. The shielding effect of the protective curtain in terms of absorbed dose was measured with the onboard Pille system. The shielding effect of the protective water curtain is approximately 24 ± 9% in absorbed dose.