Responsible Center: NASA JSC
Grant Monitor: Cucinott1a, Francis
Center Contact: 281-483-0968
noaccess@nasa.gov
Unique ID: 7488
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Solicitation / Funding Source: SBIR Phase II
Grant/Contract No.: NNX09CA21C
Project Type: Ground
Flight Program:
TechPort: No |
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| Human Research Program Elements: |
(1) SR:Space Radiation
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| Human Research Program Risks: |
(1) ARS:Risk of Acute Radiation Syndromes Due to Solar Particle Events (SPEs)
(2) Cancer:Risk of Radiation Carcinogenesis
(3) CNS:Risk of Acute (In-flight) and Late Central Nervous System Effects from Radiation Exposure
(4) Degen:Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Other Degenerative Tissue Effects From Radiation Exposure and Secondary Spaceflight Stressors
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| Human Research Program Gaps: |
(1) Cancer 11:What are the most effective shielding approaches to mitigate cancer risks? (closed: transferred to NASA AES).
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| Flight Assignment/Project Notes: |
NOTE: End date changed to 12/31/2010 (previously 6/18/2010), per S. Krenek/JSC (7/2010) |
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| Task Description: |
Analysis of Phase I test data demonstrates that the Photogenics Spectroscopic Dosimeter will detect neutron energies from 0.8 up to 600 MeV. The detector efficiencies in the energy region of interest to NASA of 0.5 to 150 MeV were predicted by MCNP-X models. These models were partially confirmed by the tests at the EAL and LANSCE, with a high confidence in the data for the 1-14 MeV range and a confirmation of the detector's spectroscopic capabilities between 15-150 MeV. Further analysis of the high energy data will be performed in Phase II.
Using the detection efficiencies determined Phase I and the IRCP74 damage coefficients, doses have been calculated for the neutron fluxes encountered in the test facilities. During Phase II a full-scale working model of the spectroscopic dosimeter will be fabricated and tested.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: NASA is seeking improved neutron spectroscopy to enhance its characterization of the space environment and has also identified a need for improved accuracy in the estimate of neutron dose experienced by astronauts on long duration space missions. |
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| Research Impact/Earth Benefits: |
The NASA version of the dosimeter can be redesigned for use in radiation safety monitoring at a wide variety of facilities concerned with potential radiation hazards, i.e. laboratories, university research facilities, and private nuclear power plants. |
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