 As part of the Mars Science Laboratory, the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) will characterize the radiation environment faced by astronauts at the surface of Mars. This image shows a prototype model of a portion of RAD, designed and built by scientists at Southwest Research Institute using internal research funds. |
For this purpose, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is developing the Radiation Assessment Detector, or RAD, to characterize the broad spectrum of radiation at the surface. The investigation will determine the radiation hazards faced by astronauts on Mars.
"Understanding the space radiation environment is the single most important challenge to preparing for future human exploration of Mars," says Dr. Donald M. Hassler, RAD principal investigator and section manager in the SwRI Space Studies Department.
"We need to understand the radiation input at the Martian surface so we can design shelters, habitats and spacesuits with sufficient shielding to protect astronauts."
"With this instrument we will perform the first-ever measurements of cosmic rays on the surface of another planet," says Dr. Arik Posner, RAD project scientist and researcher in the SwRI Space Science and Engineering Division.
"The data will help us to better understand the unique Martian radiation environment and its influence on past and present life, and is thus essential for the Space Exploration Initiative."
The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters is funding the RAD development.
Seven other instruments were also selected for the MSL, including a mast camera, a Mars hand lens imager and a Mars descent imager, all led by Malin Space Science Systems; a chemistry and micro-imaging sensor, led by Los Alamos; an alpha-particle-X-ray-spectrometer, led by the Max-Planck-Institute for Chemistry; an X-ray diffraction and fluorescence instrument, led by the NASA Ames Research Center; and a sample analysis instrument, led by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
MSL will also carry a pulsed neutron source and detector for measuring hydrogen, provided by the Russian Federal Space Agency.
The project will also include a meteorological package and an ultraviolet sensor provided by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.
The Mars Science Laboratory, scheduled for a 2009 launch, will operate under its own power for a service life of one Mars year (approximately two Earth years). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., manages MSL for the NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
Community
Spirit Heading To 'Home Plate'
Pasadena CA (JPL) Jan 09, 2006
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |