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A unique vantage point in deep space
The Gateway space station will offer an opportunity to study extensively the dynamical space environments inside and outside the Earth's magnetosphere, as well as in the vicinity of the Moon.
In particular, the European Radiation Sensor Array (ERSA) will provide continuous measurements of the radiation environments due to the Solar Energetic Particles (SEP) and the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR). At the same time, the Internal Dosimetry Array (IDA) will provide radiation levels inside the Gateway.
Understanding the changing radiation environment around the Moon and at the Gateway
The Radiation Environment & Effects NOwcasts for the Moon (REENOM) team, led by the BIRA-IASB Space weather group, is one of the four International Science Teams that have been selected in the framework of the international Gateway Heliophysics and Space Radiation Working Group and will be given early access to the ERSA and IDA data.
Our scientific objective is to improve the current knowledge of the relevant radiation environments and their effects. The first task will be to derive high-quality intercalibrated particle fluxes from the provided measurements. In turn, we will use those data to investigate the influence of the dynamic magnetosphere on the SEP propagation.
Moreover, we will use the data from ERSA and IDA to study the radiation impact on biological and technological systems in deep space. Having a better view on the radiation exposure could help us to develop new radiation-resistant materials for shielding and spacecraft structures.
Developing a timely space weather service
The ultimate goal of this activity is to provide timely and accurate space weather information and warnings for the Gateway and the lunar surface. By analysing radiation patterns, ERSA data can contribute to early space weather forecasts. Such information will be crucial for operational decision making to ensure astronaut safety during future lunar missions and beyond.
