The Near-Earth Space Radiation Environment During Solar Cycle 25: Consequences for the Alabama Burst Energetics eXplorer

The Alabama Burst Energetics eXplorer (ABEX) is a 12U mission to enhance the detection of low energy Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) components and provide improved, rapid localization of short GRBs for multiwavelength follow up via GRB measurements outside the Van Allen Belts (VAB). The ABEX launch date is Q4 2024 during the peak of solar cycle 25; the ABEX science orbit is 300 km perigee by 60,000 km apogee with an inclination of 27°. This orbit defines distinct radiation environments in Low Earth Orbit, crossing the VABs, performing science operations outside the VABs, and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) conditions. Numerical trajectory data was generated in AGI’s Systems Tool Kit and provided to the Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS). VAB trapped particle, Solar Energetic Particle, and Galactic Cosmic Ray particle fluxes were determined for the ABEX orbit. Empirical fits for Total Ionizing Dose are provided per particle source. Solar cell degradation as a function of Non-Ionizing Energy Loss was calculated per coverglass thickness with mass implications. Charged Particle Heating is characterized in a full thermal radiation model. Single Event Effects and surface charging are not discussed in the context of particle flux.