Space radiation environment considerations for the Interstellar Probe mission

Interstellar Probe represents an ambitious, yet credible, mission to study the heliosphere and local interstellar medium from beyond the boundaries of our solar system. The spacecraft design, mission design, payload, and launch vehicle presently possess Technology Readiness Levels to support launch as early as 2030. We present an overview of the space radiation effects pertinent to the Interstellar Probe mission. Focus is exclusively on highly the primary space radiation effects, notably, cumulative radiation dose (Total Ionizing Dose and Total Non-Ionizing Dose), Single Event Effects, and spacecraft charging. We provide a detailed review of these effects and relative risk to the conceptual design and operations for each mission phase including inner heliosphere cruise, Jupiter Gravity Assist, and interstellar cruise. Though technological, programmatic, and philosophical challenges associated with a >50-year mission timeframe may be formidable, and inspiring, we illustrate that space radiation-related hazards or risks are quite manageable.