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Radiation in the vastness of space – new dosemeters for ISS astronauts

Thomas Pesquet is the first astronaut to use a mobile dosemeter developed by PTB and its European partners that immediately displays the radiation dose

21.11.2016

Last Saturday evening (19 Nov 2016), astronaut Thomas Pesquet arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). During his time there, he will be the first to use a completely new radiation measuring system that immediately displays information on the radiation dose he is exposed to at a certain point in time. Depending on the quality of the radiation, the device will immediately calculate its effect on living tissue. To date, it has not been possible for astronauts to obtain this information themselves, as the data can only be evaluated once the astronauts return to Earth. The core of the personal dosemeter is formed by two silicon semiconductor detectors; PTB played a major role in the development of their conceptual set-up and analysis algorithm. The personal dosemeter is part of a collaborative project under the direction of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Thomas Pesquet is the only european astronaut on board the ISS. He uses a completely new radiation measuring system that immediately displays information on the radiation dose he is exposed to. (Photo: NASA/James M. Blair)

Mobile active personal dosimeters are smaller than cigarette packages and can be carried in a small belt pouch. (Photo: ESA)

Storage device of the radiation measurement system on board of the ISS. (Photo: ESA)

Contact

Dr. Marlies Luszik-Bhadra, PTB Working Group 6.45 Neutron Dosimetry, phone: +49 (0)531 592-6520, e-mail: marlies.luszik-bhadra(at)ptb.de

Author: Imke Frischmuth