The study aims to achieve a better understanding of the physical processes that control the shape and intensity of the ever-changing radiation belts to help make space exploration safer for humans and satellites.

The two-satellite mission, slated for launch in 2012, is part of NASA's Living with a Star (LWS) program which aims to learn how and why the sun varies, how planetary systems respond, and the effects on human activities in space and on Earth.

"Many satellites orbiting at high altitudes pass through the radiation belts, a dynamic region where energetic electrons and ions are trapped in Earth's magnetic fields. Even the low-altitude International Space Station orbit skims the radiation belts, posing serious concerns for astronauts during certain conditions," said Harlan Spence, a BU professor of astronomy and the ECT principal investigator.

"A better physical understanding of the radiation belt environment has extremely important practical applications in the areas of spacecraft operations and design, mission planning, and astronaut safety. RBSP-ECT is designed to provide the observations needed to distinguish between competing theories of radiation belt physics."

According to studies, in order to protect satellites and astronauts from high-energy radiation and other adverse effects, it is essential to understand first how energetic charged particles are accelerated in space. This happens every day in Earth's radiation belts making them the ideal place to study radiation processes, explained Spence.

Adverse effects abound. High-energy electrons can penetrate spacecraft components and produce catastrophic electrical discharges. High-energy ions interact with spacecraft systems in other ways, sometimes producing abnormal changes in the logic state of a computer chip or degrading the efficiency of the satellite's solar cells. At sufficiently high energies, particles penetrate even thick layers of shielding and produce damaging radiation as they pass through human tissue or electrical components.

"Some effects from this radiation may be immediate, such as loss of power to a spacecraft, while others may be cumulative, like increased risk of cancer for astronauts," said Spence.

To develop the physical understanding needed to predict such effects, the RBSP-ECT suite will consist of three instruments designed to measure electrons and ions from low to very high energies. All three are based on measurement techniques proven in the radiation belts and optimized to provide clear separation of ions and electrons and clean energy responses - even in the extreme radiation belt environment. T

he coordinated ECT particle measurements on the two RBSP satellites are necessary for understanding the acceleration, global distribution, and variability of radiation belt electrons and ions - key objectives of the Living with a Star program.

"The ECT team applies our extensive experience in designing, fabricating, and operating spaceflight instrumentation in the harsh RBSP radiation environment to ensure that these measurements have the reliability needed to answer important LWS science questions," said Spence.

"It is personally gratifying that NASA selected BU to lead this effort on one of their flagship space physics missions. I am honored to be working with such an outstanding team of scientists, engineers, and managers. The team is excited about getting started on RBSP, a mission that many have dreamed about for decades."

Related Links
Boston University
Space Station News at Space-Travel.Com

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