People travelling in space are exposed to higher levels of radiation than they would be on Earth. If you find out that your levels are high as a result of solar activity when you’re in space, flight controllers plan activities to reduce your exposure. If you only find out after you return to Earth, it’s too late.

Used aboard the Russian space station MIR this dosimeter provided a direct and immediate reading of accumulated radiation exposure. In the early 1990s such units flew for 3, 6 and 15 months in the sleeping quarters aboard MIR. Each contained 8 MOSFET dosimeter chips to provide backup in case of failure and an average reading of the radiation exposure.

This unit flew aboard MIR from November 28th 1993 until February 27th 1994. It comes with a flame retardant case with Velcro fasteners and a Canadian flag.