Real-time omnidirectional radiation monitoring on spacecraft

Monitoring of the radiation environment in and around spacecraft is a crucial aspect of current and future manned space missions. Shielding and limits to exposure times are the most effective means to protect astronaut health. For optimization of the shielding layout and procedures, the local radiation environment must be known precisely. Currently, a set of dosimeter and spectrometer systems is used to achieve this. This sensor suite lacks sensitivity to some radiation and cannot measure energy-and angle-dependent spectra in real time. We have developed a new detector concept using a segmented, active detection volume that omnidirectionally measures radiation and its composition, energy spectrum, and biological effectiveness. At the core of this Multi-purpose Active-target Particle Tele-scope is a 900-channel detector comprising scintillating fibers and silicon photomultipliers. It can track charged particles over the full solid angle. The fast parallel data acquisition system allows near-real-time monitoring of the radiation environment.