Gamma ray altimeters measure spacecraft altitude by detecting surface backscattered cosmic gamma radiation.
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
0 sources for · 1 against
AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
Retrieved technical literature indicates that spacecraft gamma-ray altimeters operate using onboard radioactive sources (such as Cesium-137) rather than measuring backscattered cosmic gamma radiation.
[Measurement and evaluation of radiation dose distribution of gamma-ray altimeter in static test for recovery capsule during simulated landing]
## Abstract
The gamma-ray altimeter, containing a gamma-radioactive source 137Cs with activity of 2.96 x 10(10) Bq, was used to detect the height of the spacecraft recovery capsule during landing. To measure the gamma-dose distribution near to the guidance section, especially at position where the useful load is located in recovery capsule, gamma-dose field at the test-site for one machine test was measured by means of a gamma-dose rate meter FJ-317C and a gamma-dose meter ANRI-01-02. The result showed that the absorbed dose rate at 5 meters from gamma-source on the ground is as low as the radiation protection limit when the altimeter is down to 0.16 m from the ground. The ground reflection effect for gamma-ray decreases as height of the recovery capsule increases. Therefore, the gamma-dose level at useful load in the recovery capsule will meet the requirements of flight safety.
## Publication types
- English Abstract
## MeSH terms
- Altitude*
- Cesium Radioisotopes
- Gamma Rays*
- Radiation Dosage
- Radiation Protection / standards*