Low Earth orbit

Orbit in space near to the Earth where astronauts are protected against parts of particles of galactic and solar origin by the Earth’s magnetic field. The shielding depends on the inclination of the spacecraft. On the other hand, the Earth’s magnetic field is responsible for formation of the trapped radiation belts where (mainly) protons and electrons from galactic and solar origin are stored.

ICRP Publication 123, 2013

Return to Glossary