Radiation conditions in medium circular orbit during the extreme magnetic storm in May 2024
- 作者: Shelepov M.D.1, Ivanov V.V.1, Kochura S.G.1, Maksimov I.A.1, Molchanov K.V.2, Prokopyev V.Y.2
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隶属关系:
- JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Academician M. F. Reshetnev Company”
- Novosibirsk State University
- 期: 卷 26, 编号 2 (2025)
- 页面: 291-299
- 栏目: Section 2. Aviation and Space Technology
- ##submission.datePublished##: 30.06.2025
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/2712-8970/article/view/686544
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.31772/2712-8970-2025-26-2-291-299
- ID: 686544
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详细
This article describes the results of monitoring the radiation situation in a medium circular orbit, obtained from the data of the experimental dose control complex (EDCC) of the spacecraft, developed by JSC “Reshetnev”, with a circular orbit at an altitude of H=8070 km. The article compares the experimentally obtained EDCC data with the calculated data, obtained during flight operation over two years of research. It should be noted that this orbit is poorly studied by Russian spacecraft developers in terms of the impact of space factors. Also considers the effect of the extreme geomagnetic disturbance in May 2024 on the rate of accumulation of the absorbed dose.
The method of conducting the experiment consists of creating different conditions of mass protection for each of the nine sensors. The mass protection is varied by installing a steel grid with different cell thicknesses. Thus, each sensitive element is in unique irradiation conditions – mass protection weakens the flux of ionizing radiation and changes its spectrum (differently for each type of radiation).
When developing a new type of orbit for spacecraft operation, the task of ensuring the resistance of onboard equipment and the spacecraft as a whole to the effects of ionizing radiation factors of outer space, typical for this orbit, is relevant. For this, experimental confirmation or refinement of the calculated radiation model of impact based on the obtained in-kind data is necessary.
The main task solved in the article is to monitor the levels of the integral accumulated dose behind various protections when exposed to ionizing radiation of outer space at an orbit of 8070 km and to compare the results of experimental data with the calculated estimates carried out according to OST134-1044-2007.
The article reflects the results of long-term measurements of the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation for a spacecraft with such an orbit. As a result of the measurements, it was established that after an extreme magnetic storm, there is a significant increase in the rate of dose accumulation. This led to the dose recorded for 722 days exceeding the calculated valueю.
全文:
Introduction
The Experimental Dose Control Complex (EDCC) is designed to monitor the effects of radiation exposure on a spacecraft (SC) [1, 2]. The EDCC enables measurements of the absorbed dose levels of ionizing radiation present in outer space.
The EDCC is implemented as a monoblock unit that includes a matrix of modules for recording the integral accumulated dose (MIRAD matrix). Ionizing radiation is detected using identical sensitive elements within the MIRAD, arranged in a 3×3 grid. Under radiation exposure, the sensitive element experiences degradation of channel conductivity in the embedded field-effect transistor. By measuring the voltage drop across the sensitive element when a constant current is passed through it, the magnitude of the accumulated radiation dose can be determined.
The experimental concept is based on creating different conditions of mass shielding for each of the nine MIRAD elements. This is achieved through the use of a steel grid with cells of varying thicknesses. As a result, each sensitive element is exposed to unique irradiation conditions – mass shielding attenuates the flux of ionizing radiation and alters its energy spectrum (differently for each type of radiation).
This paper presents the results of dose load measurements from ionizing radiation behind various mass shielding configurations in orbit at an altitude of H = 8070 km during the period from October 23, 2022, to October 14, 2024 (722 days). This time frame corresponds to the first half of Solar Cycle 25 [3], which is characterized by increased heliophysical and geomagnetic activity. Notably, in May 2024, the strongest geomagnetic storm in the past 20 years was recorded [4]. The paper examines the effect of this storm on the radiation environment in the spacecraft's orbit. The analysis utilized geomagnetic indices Dst and Kp, along with data from satellites in circular orbits at H = 20,000 km and H = 36,000 km.
Results of measurement
Рис. 1. Данные ЭККД за 722 дня
Fig. 1. EDCC data collected over 722 days
Fig. 1 presents the EDCC data collected over 722 days and their comparison with theoretical estimates (the calculation methodology for the theoretical values is described in [5]). The 0.3 mm sensor was excluded due to reaching the upper limit of the measurable dose; the 1 mm sensor was also excluded. The reading from the 7.5 mm sensor is 1.38 times lower than the theoretical value. For the remaining sensors, the measured absorbed dose exceeds the theoretical estimate by approximately 1.5 times.
Рис. 2. Набор дозы ЭККД в зависимости от времени для различных защит (в мм алюминия)
Fig. 2. Dose set of EDCC depending on time for different protections (in mm of aluminum)
Fig. 2 shows dose accumulation curves over time for different shielding configurations of the EDCC. The graphs indicate a sharp increase in dose accumulation rate following the extreme geomagnetic storm on May 10, with elevated levels sustained between May 12, 2024, and June 30, 2024. This anomalously rapid dose accumulation during the specified period is the primary reason for the observed exceedance of theoretical values.
To investigate the mechanisms by which geomagnetic disturbances influence the radiation environment, we analyzed particle flux data of ionizing radiation from spacecraft in circular orbits at various altitudes.
Рис. 3. Уровни потоков протонов СКЛ по данным КА «GOES», Dst-индекс геомагнитной активности, уровни потоков высокоэнергичных электронов на геостационарной орбите и орбите 20000 км
Fig. 3. Levels of proton fluxes of the SCR according to the GOES spacecraft data, Dst index of geomagnetic activity, levels of high-energy electron fluxes in the geostationary orbit and the 20000 km orbit
Fig. 3 presents the proton flux levels of solar cosmic rays (SCR) based on data from the GOES spacecraft [6] (geostationary orbit), the values of the Dst geomagnetic activity index, and the flux levels of high-energy (E > 2 MeV) electrons at geostationary orbit and at an altitude of 20,000 km.
As shown in Fig. 3, on May 11, 2024, a significant increase in solar cosmic ray (SCR) proton flux was recorded (45 times above the background level for protons with E > 100 MeV), followed by an intense geomagnetic storm (Dst reached –412 nT). As a consequence of this geomagnetic storm, the flux of high-energy electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt (ORB) increased. However, it can be seen that the electron flux at geostationary orbit decreases rapidly, whereas at an altitude of 20,000 km, it remains above 1500 cm⁻²·s⁻¹·sr⁻¹ up to May 30, 2024. This behavior may be explained by a shift of the ORB region with the highest electron concentration (the ORB maximum) closer to Earth. A similar scenario is described in [7–10]. In such a case, the geostationary orbit would no longer intersect the ORB. With a sufficiently strong inward shift, even the 8070 km orbit could enter the ORB, which may account for the anomalously high dose rate observed at that altitude.
Dynamics of radiation belts
According to the empirical relationship linking the position of the outer radiation belt maximum in L-coordinates (McIlwain L-parameter) with the Dst index of geomagnetic disturbance [7],
(1)
For example, at Dst = –412, the maximum of the outer radiation belt is expected to shift downward to Lmax = 2.85, whereas under quiet geomagnetic conditions, its typical position is Lmax ≈ 4. The orbit at 8070 km near the equator corresponds to L = 2.25, which lies below the estimated position of the outer radiation belt maximum following the storm. The dynamics of the radiation belts during geomagnetic storms of similar intensity are described in [11], where the formation of a new outer belt peak in the L range of 2.3 to 3 is noted. For instance, during the geomagnetic storm of March 24, 1991 (Dst = –300 nT), a peak in the electron belt was observed at L = 2.3 for E > 8 MeV, and at L = 3.1 for E ≈ 2 MeV [12].
Additionally, during intense geomagnetic storms, proton injection into the inner radiation belt may occur, resulting in the formation of an additional proton maximum in the region 2 < L < 2.5 with energies ranging from 20 to 70 MeV [13, 14]. According to data from the CRRES spacecraft [15], following the March 1991 storm, a new proton belt was formed at L ≈ 2.8 with energies in the tens of MeV, comparable in intensity to the stable inner radiation belt, whose maximum typically lies at L ≈ 1.5.
Рис. 4. Набор дозы в зависимости от времени для различных орбит
Fig. 4. Dose accumulation depending on time for different orbits
Since the EDCC lacks instrumentation for measuring fluxes of ionizing radiation particles, in order to determine the dynamics of the radiation belt position shift, it is appropriate to compare the dose accumulation rates on spacecraft in orbits at 20.000 km and 8.070 km during the period from December 20, 2023, to August 26, 2024 (Fig. 4). For this comparison, the graphs were normalized so that the magnitude of the variation between May 12, 2024, and July 13, 2024, coincided.
As evident from the graphs, at 20.000 km the dose accumulation rate sharply increases immediately after the storm, whereas at 8.070 km the increase in rate begins approximately 11 days later. This behavior can be explained by a gradual displacement of the radiation belt followed by stabilization of the Earth's magnetic field intensity and restoration of the radiation belt position to its pre-storm level.
Conclusion
The radiation environment in a medium circular orbit at an altitude of 8.070 km remains poorly studied, making its investigation of considerable interest to developers of space technology operating in this orbit. This paper presents the results of the first long-term measurements of the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation for spacecraft in such an orbit conducted within domestic practice.
The measurements revealed that following an extreme geomagnetic storm, there is a significant increase in the dose accumulation rate. As a result, the dose recorded over 722 days exceeds the calculated value with an error margin of no more than 10 %: for 2 mm and 3 mm shielding, the excess is by factors of 1.18 and 1.24, respectively; for 2.5 mm and 4.8 mm shielding, approximately 1.54 times; for 4 mm shielding, 1.62 times; and for 6.3 mm shielding, 1.75 times. According to the authors, these effects may be attributed to changes in the intensity of the Earth’s magnetic field accompanied by a subsequent displacement of the radiation belt boundaries.
作者简介
Mark Shelepov
JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Academician M. F. Reshetnev Company”
编辑信件的主要联系方式.
Email: shelepovmd@iss-reshetnev.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3940-4937
Cand. Sc., Design engineer of the 2 category
俄罗斯联邦, 52, Lenin St., Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region, 662972Vladimir Ivanov
JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Academician M. F. Reshetnev Company”
Email: ivanov@iss-reshetnev.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-0127-4162
Cand. Sc., Deputy Head of Department
俄罗斯联邦, 52, Lenin St., Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region, 662972Sergei Kochura
JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Academician M. F. Reshetnev Company”
Email: kochura@iss-reshetnev.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-0844-8487
Cand. Sc., Deputy General Designer of electrical engineering and control systems of spacecraft
俄罗斯联邦, 52, Lenin St., Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region, 662972Igor Maksimov
JSC “Information Satellite Systems” Academician M. F. Reshetnev Company”
Email: mia@iss-reshetnev.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-5953-4909
Dr. Sc., Head of Department
俄罗斯联邦, 52, Lenin St., Zheleznogorsk, Krasnoyarsk region, 662972Konstantin Molchanov
Novosibirsk State University
Email: K.molchanov@nsu.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-6560-3649
Engineer of the 2 category
俄罗斯联邦, 1, Pirogova St., Novosibirsk, 630090Vitaly Prokopyev
Novosibirsk State University
Email: vprok@cosmos.nsu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9314-5492
Head of Department
俄罗斯联邦, 1, Pirogova St., Novosibirsk, 630090参考
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