Speaker
Description
ESA’s Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS, https://www.spenvis.oma.be) is providing interfaces to various models and tools that can be employed for scientific studies related to the characterisation of the space environment and its effects. In particular, users can employ these tools to verify instrument and detector responses, optimise space radiation shielding and investigate radiation-induced effects on spacecraft components.
The last years have seen a renewed interest in the exploration of the Moon and the possibility for commercial exploitation of its resources. The characterisation of the radiation environment on the Moon is an important element for designing any lunar-based asset. In this talk, we will show how someone can use SPENVIS to perform a lunar radiation environment specification and analysis. Naturally, the primary radiation environment is due to Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and Solar Energetic Particles (SEP) reaching the surface of the Moon. However, it is important to look also at the lunar albedo secondary particles generated from the interaction of the incident high-energy particles with the lunar soil. As an example, we will present the work done in support of the design of a miniature X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer for a future ESA mission to the Moon.
