Researchers explained that the International Space Station (ISS), like the Large Hadron Collider in
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesce activated experimentLumina to the ISS as part of the ALPHA mission. This project, coordinated by the French space agency CNES and with the participation of CERN, uses two optical fibers several kilometers long as active dosimeters to measure ionizing radiation on the ISS with very high sensitivity.
To prevent radiation-induceddamage to electronics inside accelerators, CERN has been working with optical fiber-based radiation sensors for six years. Building on this experience, CERN contributed to Lumina by assisting in the theoretical analysis of the optimized dosimeter architecture and performing the low and high dose tests required to calibrate the instrument.
Watch as astronauts improve the ISS's power system
“Lumina's mission is to be sensitive enoughto measure low changes in radiation intensity, taking into account the shielding provided by the ISS shell. Calibration, carried out at CERN using a ground reference model, will allow us to post-process the measurements and get accurate results, ”said Florence Clement, project manager for the Lumina experiment at CNES / CADMOS.
“This joint experience in space is importantthe result of a framework agreement on cooperation between CERN and CNES several years ago, which focuses on radiation issues. To monitor radiation damage to electronics, CERN has developed instruments that can also be used on satellites, ”the researchers added.
Read more
Giant iceberg A74 collides with the coast of Antarctica
Two new dinosaur species discovered in China
What is the Kessler effect, and also when and what will the collision of satellites in orbit lead to?