Comprehensive Detection of Particle Radiation Effects on the Orbital Platform of the Upper Stage of the Chinese CZ-4C Carrier Rocket

Abstract

Based on the characteristics of space particle radiation in the Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), a space particle radiation effect comprehensive measuring instrument (SPRECMI) was installed on the orbital platform of the upper stage of the Chinese CZ-4C carrier rocket, which can acquire the high-energy proton energy spectra, linear energy transfer (LET) spectra of particles, and radiation dose rate. The particle radiation detection data were obtained at 1000 km altitude for the first time, which can be used mainly for scientific research of the space environment, in-orbit fault analysis, and the operational control management of spacecraft, and can also serve as reference data for component validation tests. After SPRECMI’s development, accelerator calibration and simulations were conducted, and the results demonstrated that all the measured indicators, including the high-energy proton spectra (energy range: 21.8–275.0 MeV, precision: <3.3%), total radiation dose (dose range: 0–1.04 × 106 rad, sensitivity: 6.2 µrad/h), and the LET spectra (range: 0.001–37.20 MeV/(mg/cm2), >37.2 MeV/(mg/cm2)), met the relevant requirements. Furthermore, the in-orbit flight test revealed that the detection results of the load components were consistent with the physical characteristics of the particle radiation environment of the spacecraft’s orbit.