Studies of the radiation environment on the Mars surface using the Geant4 toolkit

Abstract The radiation environment on the surface of Mars is a potential threat for future manned exploration missions to this planet. In study, simple geometrical model was built simulating caused by galactic cosmic rays; and studied using Geant4 toolkit. simulation results were compared with data reported assessment detector (RAD). simulated spectra neutrons, photons, protons, $$\alpha$$ α particles, particle groups $$Z=3$$ Z = 3 –5, $$Z=6$$ 6 –8, $$Z=9$$ 9 –13, $$Z=14$$ 14 –24 in reasonable agreement RAD data. However, deuterons, tritons, $$\,^{3}{\mathrm{He}}$$ He , simulations yielded much smaller values than corresponding addition, particles’ within $$90^{\circ }$$ 90 ∘ zenith angle also obtained. Based these spectra, we calculated dose that would have been received an average human body Mars. distribution throughout not uniform. absorbed equivalent doses brain highest among all organs, reaching 62.0 ± 1.7 mGy/y 234.1 8.0 mSv/y, respectively. entire approximately 44 153 Further analysis revealed most owing heavy ions. We then shielding effect soil respect radiation. decreased significantly increasing depth. At depth 1.5 m, effective 17.9 2.4 lower limit occupational exposure. 3 2.7 1.0 still higher accepted limit.