Matroshka in Space
In order to obtain precise data on radiation distribution throughout the body during an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA), MATROSHKA -an ESA multi-user facility - was developed by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine. The key part of the facility is a human phantom upper torso, equipped with numerous radiation detectors. MATROSHKA was mounted on the exterior of the Russian Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2004. After an exposure of about 18 month it was brought back inside the ISS and equipped with new detector sets and is still operating. The data gathered - in cooperation with 19 institutes worldwide - are used to reduce uncertainties in risk estimates for radiation-induced cancer, and for the refinement of the shielding needs for vehicles used for future long duration missions. They serve as benchmarks for space radiation models and radiation transport calculations and have important implications for ISS crew health and mission planning.
Besides the MATROSHKA experiment, the group is in charge– as contractor for ESA – for the personal dosimetry of European Astronauts. This activity is supplemented by area dose measurements at several locations inside the European COLUMBUS Module. The development of active radiation detectors – in cooperation with the University of Kiel – for the European ExoMars and the US MSL Mission, as well as the determination of the radiation load on aircrew (LUFTHANSA) are further fields of study.
All space studies are accompanied by an extensive ground based intercalibration program. The detection efficiency of various passive (thermoluminescence detectors, nuclear track etch detectors) and active (silicon detectors, tissue equivalent proportional counters) radiation detectors is investigated in various heavy ion and neutron fields, in an international program.
DLR Supervisor
Dr. Günther Reitz++49 2203 601 3137Email: Günther Reitz
Dr. Thomas Berger++49 2203 601 3135Email: Thomas Berger
University Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Robert F. Wimmer-Schweingruber+49 431 880 3964
Prof. Dr. Bernd Heber++49 431 880 3955
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