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Galactic cosmic ray composition and energy spectraGalactic cosmic ray nuclei represent a significant risk to long-duration spaceflight outside the magnetosphere. We review briefly existing measurements of the composition and energy spectra of heavy cosmic ray nuclei, pointing out which species and energy ranges are most critical to assessing cosmic ray risks for spaceflight. Key data sets are identified and a table of cosmic ray abundances is presented for elements from H to Ni (Z = 1 to 28). Because of the 22-year nature of the solar modulation cycle, data from the approaching 1998 solar minimum is especially important to reducing uncertainties in the cosmic ray radiation hazard. It is recommended that efforts to model this hazard take advantage of approaches that have been developed to model the astrophysical aspects of cosmic rays.
Document ID
19940039107
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mewaldt, R. A.
(California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Life Sciences and Space Research 25 (2) Radiation Biology: Topical Meeting of the COSPAR Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission F of the COSPAR 29th Plenary Meeting, Washington, DC, Aug. 28-Sep. 5, 1
Volume: 14
Issue: 10
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
94A62556
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1919
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-722
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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