Calculation of Radiation Loads in a Space Station Compartment with Additional Protection of High-Pressure Polyethylene

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the calculation of cosmic ionizing radiation doses for conditions that simulate ISS crew quarters outfitted with additional protection in the form of a “protective shutter” kit used in the Matryoshka-R experiment; the kit is filled with high-pressure polyethylene instead of regular means of cosmonaut personal hygiene (wet wipes and towels). The calculation was performed using the ray tracing method, which was previously verified using the experimental data on the dose loads in the space station sections. The protective shutter kit has a thickness of 10 cm and covers the exterior wall of the crew quarters; its volume is filled with high-pressure polyethylene. The calculation is performed for the locations of experimental dosimetric assemblies for typical ISS orbits in the phase of minimum and maximum solar activity. The effect from the use of the additional protection (AP) in the ISS crew quarters in terms of the equivalent dose varies between 22 and 60% depending on the orbital altitude, phase of solar activity cycle, and initial conditions of protection. The results indicate a higher efficiency of the additional protection of polyethylene in comparison with water-containing materials. This AP from cosmic radiation has the potential to be used in long-term and long-range spaceflights.