ABSTRACT
MIDN (MIcroDosimetry iNstrument) is a payload on the MidSTAR-I spacecraft (Midshipman Space Technology Applications Research) under development at the United States Naval Academy. MIDN is a solid-state system being designed and constructed to measure microdosimetric spectra to determine radiation quality factors for space environments. Radiation is a critical threat to the health of astronauts and to the success of missions in low-Earth orbit and space exploration. The system will consist of three separate sensors, one external to the spacecraft, one internal and one embedded in polyethylene. Design goals are mass <3 kg and power <2 W. The MidSTAR-I mission in 2006 will provide an opportunity to evaluate a preliminary version of this system. Its low power and mass makes it useful for the International Space Station and manned and unmanned interplanetary missions as a real-time system to assess and alert astronauts to enhanced radiation environments.
Subject(s)
Cosmic Radiation , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Radiation Protection/instrumentation , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Space Flight/instrumentation , Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/instrumentation , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Miniaturization , Radiation Dosage , Reproducibility of Results , Research , Sensitivity and Specificity , Space Flight/methods , Surface Properties , Thermoluminescent Dosimetry/methods , User-Computer InterfaceABSTRACT
Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle is an uncommon injury, with most cases occurring in athletically active individuals. The presentation of a gastrocnemius rupture is the acute onset of calf pain and subsequent ecchymosis. Most of these injuries can be treated symptomatically with good results. We present an unusual case of gastrocnemius muscle tear complicated by acute compartment syndrome. Physicians need to be aware of this potentially devastating complication of gastrocnemius rupture.
