Shield Optimization Program, Part 2: Effects of Van Allen Belt Radiation on SDI Weapon Platforms

The effects of both natural and man-made Van Allen Belt (VAB) radiation at an altitude of 500 km are presented for various components of a prototypic space-based interceptor (SBI) weapon platform. The weapon platform is described in detail and represents the authors' concept of such a system. The calculated results show that the SBI platform will survive long term (10 years) exposure to natural VAB protons and electrons. However, when the electron belts are enhanced by the detonation of a nuclear weapon, high levels of radiation can be expected in components mounted on or near the surface of the spacecraft. These dose levels are sufficient enough to produce damage in the most sensitive components.