Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety - Dual Monitor (ARMAS-DM)

The Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety – Dual Monitor (ARMAS-DM) project addresses these science and engineering goals:1) demonstrate a real-time COTS-based technology for regional ionizing-radiation monitoring at high altitudes and high latitudes using two simultaneous balloons; 2) enable a game-changing technology for global aviation safety; 3) aid human space exploration by helping specify the radiation environment consistently from the surface to Low Earth Orbit (LEO); 4) provide data for assimilation into the NASA NAIRAS radiation model now being applied to the International Space Station (ISS) radiation safety protocol; and 5) enable a better understanding of the dynamic and variable radiation environment due to all sources for altitudes transitioning into space by measuring both total dose and energy. We combine proven radiation detection using up to five sensors (two total ionizing dose micro dosimeter (ARMAS), one tissue equivalent proportional counter linear energy transfer spectra detector (ATED), possibly one advanced neutron spectrometer (ANS), and one Silicon linear energy transfer dosimeter (Liulin). We will combine them with Iridium data downlink and ground data-processing server facilities for two long-duration balloons flights to demonstrate long-term, regional monitoring that enables aviation radiation risk management. We will directly monitor the changing radiation environment due to space weather, i.e., Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and trapped energetic electron precipitation (EEP), which are the main sources of radiation from commercial aviation to LEO altitudes. Detection of a rare solar proton event (SPE) would be serendipitous, however, we do not expect to see SPEs and success does not require their detection. We will measure absorbed dose (silicon) and derive effective dose rates (human tissue).

Our work will help mitigate the negative effect of radiation on human physical and behavioral health, helping optimize human performance in space. A long duration measurement, validation, and characterization of the dynamic radiation dose up to 23 km will provide a system-level method for operationally monitoring that environment through data assimilation into the NAIRAS system. A successful flight will provide new dose rate data for an infrequently studied altitude range in the stratosphere.

Astronauts, high-altitude pilots, frequent commercial aviation flyers, and eventually commercial space travelers, as well as the operational air/space traffic management infrastructure supporting them, will be able to obtain, in real-time and for a trivial incremental cost, their relevant radiation environment. This system can be integrated into the global aviation radiation management environment as envisioned by other U.S. Government agencies including the FAA. It will include forecasts.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.