Other
Scientific paper
Jan 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992ldef.symp..225p&link_type=abstract
In NASA. Langley Research Center, LDEF: 69 Months in Space. First Post-Retrieval Symposium, Part 1 p 225-236 (SEE N92-23280 14-9
Other
Beryllium Isotopes, Cosmic Rays, Gamma Rays, Long Duration Exposure Facility, Radioactivity, Spacecraft Components, Spallation, Large Space Structures, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Sodium 22, Upper Atmosphere
Scientific paper
The retrieval of the Long Duration Exposure Facility spacecraft in January 1990 after nearly six years in orbit offered a unique opportunity to study the long term buildup of induced radioactivity in the variety of materials on board. We conducted the first complete gamma-ray survey of a large spacecraft on LDEF shortly after its return to earth. A surprising observation was the Be-7 activity which was seen primarily on the leading edge of the satellite, implying that it was picked up by LDEF in orbit. This is the first known evidence for accretion of a radioactive isotope onto an orbiting spacecraft. Other isotopes observed during the survey, the strongest being Na-22, are all attributed to activation of spacecraft components. Be-7 is a spallation product of cosmic rays on nitrogen and oxygen in the upper atmosphere. However, the observed density is much greater than expected due to cosmic-ray production in situ. This implies transport of Be-7 from much lower altitudes up to the LDEF orbit.
August R. A.
Cutchin J. H.
Ely D. W.
Haskins P. S.
King Edward S.
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