Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31293: Tracking Radiation Exposure in Space: The Matroyshka-R MOSFET Experiment

Space travel isn't just an awe-inspiring journey; it's also a scientific mission to understand how the harsh space environment affects the human body. One of the main dangers astronauts face is exposure to space radiation, which can lead to severe health consequences over time. To tackle this risk, scientists from the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMBP RAS) developed a series of experiments under the Matroyshka-R program. One of the critical experiments in this series is the Matroyshka-R MOSFET.

The primary goal of the Matroyshka-R MOSFET experiment was to investigate the variation in radiation exposure across different parts of the International Space Station (ISS). This included both the flight path and various compartments within the ISS. Researchers aimed to track the time history of radiation dose accumulation in spherical and torso phantoms. These phantoms are human-like models embedded with sensors that simulate how a human body would absorb radiation.

The Matroyshka-R MOSFET used Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) as radiation detectors. These tiny devices are sensitive to ionizing radiation and are capable of providing real-time dosimetry data. Their small size, accuracy, and ability to operate in space made them ideal for integration into the human analog phantoms aboard the ISS.

The data gathered helped researchers understand how radiation levels vary inside and outside the station. It also contributed to optimizing the design of shielding and protective measures for astronauts. By knowing which parts of the station have higher radiation levels, engineers and mission planners can modify crew schedules and habitats to reduce long-term radiation risks.

Matroyshka-R MOSFET operated during several ISS expeditions, including 12 through 16, 25/26, and 37/38. Its findings have been instrumental in developing better strategies for crew safety on extended space missions, such as those planned for the Moon and Mars.

Through this pioneering work, scientists have taken significant strides in safeguarding astronaut health, bringing humanity one step closer to becoming a multiplanetary species.

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