SEDA-AP
Space Environment Data Acquisition - Attached Payload (SEDA-AP) on JEM-EF
Mission Descriptions
Overview
SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment - Attached Payload) is a mission aimed at collecting data on the space environment. This mission began in July 2009 and concluded its operations in 2018. The primary research institution behind this mission is JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). SEDA-AP was attached to the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station (ISS) and conducted observations of the space environment while orbiting the Earth.
SEDA-AP is equipped with numerous measuring instruments, among which data from the SDOM is publicly available via DARTS.
Observation Instruments
SDOM (Standard Dose Monitor)
SDOM is an instrument designed to measure energy distribution of cosmic electrons, protons, alpha particles, and other high energy particles, which may potentially degrade or cause malfunctions of instruments in orbits. Input particle energies are measured by three layers of silicon SSD (Solid State Detector). After particles penetrate the three SSD layers, scintillators and photo-multiplier tube located behind the SSD layers measure their energies. Particles are discriminated by the combination of pulse-height from different sensors. SDOM has the capability to measure the size and velocity of tiny dust particles with high precision, providing crucial data for understanding the distribution and dynamics of dust in space.
POM (Plasma Observation Monitor)
POM is an instrument that measures the density and temperature of plasma. By observing plasma, it helps in understanding the electromagnetic environment of space.
CPM (Charged Particle Monitor)
CPM is an instrument that detects high-energy charged particles present in space. This allows for the evaluation of the effects of cosmic radiation.
RDM (Radiation Dosimeter)
RDM is an instrument that measures the dose of cosmic radiation. It is used to assess the impact of radiation on astronauts and equipment.
NEM (Neutron Monitor)
NEM is an instrument that measures the flux of neutrons. By observing neutrons, it helps in understanding the characteristics of cosmic radiation.
MDM (Micro-Dosimeter)
MDM is an instrument that measures the dose of minute radiation. This allows for a detailed assessment of the radiation environment in space.
LDM (Low-Energy Particle Monitor)
LDM is an instrument that detects low-energy particles. This helps in understanding the distribution of low-energy particles in space.
TSM (Thermal Shield Monitor)
TSM is an instrument that monitors the performance of thermal shields. This provides data to optimize the temperature management of spacecraft.
Results
The SEDA-AP mission made significant contributions by collecting detailed data on the space environment, helping to understand the effects of cosmic radiation and tiny dust particles in space. This knowledge has been instrumental in enhancing the safety and optimizing the design of future space missions.