Radiation problems associated with Skylab

Abstract

Radiation tests were conducted on the various types of Skylab film to establish the total radiation dosages compatible with an acceptable level of film fogging, and on the S190 borosilicate window to establish radiation limits for an acceptable darkening level. The results verified that most of the films would be unusable when returned to earth, and that the borosilicate window would be darkened beyond allowable limit, unless additional protection was provided. The operational solutions to these problems involve protecting the film with five film vaults and protecting the window with a radiation shield. The largest vault is made of aluminum and weighs over 2000 lb (its thickest compartment wall is 3.4 in.). The window radiation shield is a light honeycomb structure which is swung away for limited astronaut viewing or when the S190 experiment is in operation. Although the shield is light weight, it is heavy enough to stop the large number of low energy electrons making up a major part of the external environment and which are potentially damaging to the window. A brief description is given of the Skylab mission and some of the associated experiments. The radiation environment the spacecraft will encounter is discussed.