The second user workshop was held at the Faculty Club, Leuven, Belgium on 3-7 October 2005, in combination with the Geant4 Space Users' Workshop.

Updates of the SPENVIS System

This window appears when the system has been updated since your last access, if your browser is JavaScript enabled. If your browser accepts cookies, the window will appear only once, i.e. the first time you access the updated system. This window can also be opened using the "Updates" button on the SPENVIS home page.

21 December 2007

• Two new tools were added:
  • The Sector Shielding Analysis Tool (SSAT): this tool performs ray tracing from a user defined point within the geometry to determine shielding levels and shielding distribution.
  • The Geant4-based Microdosimetry Analysis Tool (GEMAT): this is a computer code to study microdosimetry effects of space radiation on micro-electronics and micro-sensors.
• SSAT now replaces the ray tracing formerly performed by the sectoring tool, which is now called the geometry definition tool and generates the GDML geometry definition for SSAT.
• The EQFLUX implementation now allows the upload of RDC files.

Version 4.2.1 (24 March 2006)

An option for energy biasing was added in Mulassis for trapped particle and solar proton spectra.

20 April 2005

• The Tsy 01, Tsy04 and the paraboloid model have been added to the magnetic field models.
• Error reporting for the drift shell tool has been improved.
• The help page for the orbit generator has been completed and updated.

11 March 2005

• The interface has been upgraded with a new look.
• Several features have been added to the orbit generator:
  • upload of trajectory files
  • solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag
  • Two Line Element orbit definition
  • definition of the end of previous segment as new segment start
• The NIEL module has been expanded with additional NIEL curves, and now also features an upload of NIEL curves.
• The Mulassis tool interface has been completely reworked.

29 August 2003

• The EQUIPOT surface charging code has been updated:
  • new SEE functions were added (Katz and Sims formulations);
  • the material and environment default parameters were updated;
  • the report file now is in HTML format.
• The ESP total fluence and worst case event solar proton fluence models have been added.

26 June 2003

• In the course of the upgrade of 3 Jun 2003, a bug was introduced in the SHIELDOSE implementation; the error has been corrected. The SHIELDOSE-2 implementation was not affected.
• The resolution of the shielding distribution produced by the sectoring analysis has been increased, i.e. the default number of shielding intervals is now set to 50.
• The input and output pages for the drift shell tool have been upgraded.

3 June 2003

This major update affects most of SPENVIS in different ways. We have thoroughly tested the new version, but there will probably still be some undetected bugs left. Please inform SPENVIS team of any errors or inconsistencies you may encounter, so that we can take the necessary actions.

Most of the model pages have been re-formatted to facilitate setting up and running the models. As we make use of JavaScripts, please make sure that your browser supports JavaScript. In addition, the model package page now has the form of a table with direct links to all models, which should greatly simplify navigation. The model pages have been kept as concise as possible. Documentation on the models and their usage is provided on the accompanying help pages (reached by clicking on the help button in the menu at the top of each page), which have been upgraded as well. We encourage both new and experienced users of SPENVIS to read through this documentation.

The file naming scheme of the output files has been changed from spenvis.xxx to spenvis_xxx.ext, where ext is either html for report files or txt for data files. Most models have been adapted to use this scheme, we will gradually upgrade the remaining ones in future releases. The help page for each model contains a list of all output files and links to their formats. All output files are in ASCII and can easily be downloaded as before. In order to facilitate result dowloads, we have implemented a functionality to zip and download entire project(s). This function is available on the project management page, which can be accessed via the project link in the menu bar at the top of each model page.

The implementation of the orbit generator and the radiation sources and effects models has been rewritten completely. The orbit generator now handles multi-segment spacecraft trajectories, allowing for more realistic mission simulations. The mission duration now has to be entered on the orbit generator pages, and is passed to the radiation models automatically. The radiation sources and effects models provide outputs for each mission segment as well as total mission results. Plots can be generated for each mission segment or for the whole mission. Other enhancements of the radiation sources and effects models include:

• implementation of an orbit type option for interplanetary (i.e. outside Earth's magnetosphere) environments;
• implementation of new energy values for the trapped proton models, providing better spectral coverage at low and high energies;
• implementation of a new differentation algorithm for particle spectra;
• calculation of solar proton fluences for mission lengths exceeding 11 years;
• damage calculations for multi-junction solar cells;
• access to the dose models on one combined input page;
• use of shielding distributions derived with the sectoring analysis tool as input for the SHIELDOSE and NIEL modules;
• a drastic reduction of the run time for the CREME LET module;
• use of experimental cross section data as an alternative device specification for the CREME SEU module.

The following models have been updated as well:

• new input pages for EQUIPOT and SOLARC;
• upgrades of the atmosphere and ionosphere models: NRLMSISE-00, MET-V 2.0, IRI2001;
• access to the atmosphere and ionosphere models on one combined input page.

The next upgrade will include a new version of the EQUIPOT spacecraft surface charging code.

13 May 2003

The next update is scheduled for 3 Jun 2003. This update will include a complete re-write of the radiation analysis package, including:

• multi-segment spacecraft trajectories;
• damage calculations for multi-junction solar cells;
• use of shielding distributions derived with the sectoring analysis tool as input for SHIELDOSE and NIEL;
• updates of the atmosphere and ionosphere models;
• improvements in the page layouts and navigation;
• new project management page and functionality;
• HTML format for report files;
• new file naming scheme and format for output files.

Due to the scope of the changes in both the interface and the model functionality, we have decided to delete all user projects in order to avoid problems with conflcting input parameters and existing output files. Therefore, you are encouraged to download or copy your input parameters and report files before 31 May. On that date, we will make a copy of all user directories and delete your projects on the SPENVIS server. You will not need to re-subscribe to continue using SPENVIS, but you will be required to re-define your projects and the inputs to the models.

In order to facilitate result dowloads, we have implemented a functionality to zip and download entire project(s). This function is available on the project management page, which can be accessed via the project link in the menu bar at the top of each model page.

10 December 2002

• The Multi-Layered Shielding Simulation (Mulassis) tool has been implemented in the radiation analysis package. Mulassis is a computer code developed by Qinetiq to assess radiation shielding performance for simple shield geometries (multi-layered planar or spherical shields). The code uses the GEANT4 radiation transport toolkit as the basis of the simulation to treat the run-management, geometry tracking, and physical interaction processes. Please consult the help page before using this tool! We would appreciate any feedback on the Mulassis implementation: please send comments to B. Quaghebeur.
• The next update is scheduled for 3 Ju 2003. This update will include a complete re-write of the radiation analysis package, including:
  • multi-segment spacecraft trajectories
  • damage calculations for multi-junction solar cells
  • use of shielding distributions derived with the sectoring analysis tool as input for SHIELDOSE and NIEL
  • improvements in the page layouts and navigation

3 December 2002

• The DICTAT internal charging model has been updated, including an update of the FLUMIC peak electron flux model. In addition, the model input pages have been re-written, using a JavaScript function to implement automatic reloads of the pages when selections or settings are changed. This method will gradually be extended to all SPENVIS pages. The new pages will only work when your browser supports JavaScript. Finally, when the DICTAT run is completed and the output page is sent, the results window should open with a status message and a link to the report file. This feature will also be extended to all SPENVIS models.
• The resolution of the GIF, PNG, TIFF, and JPG formats has been increased. The size of the results window has also been increased.
• The next update, scheduled for 5 Dec, will feature a new tool: Multi-Layered Shielding Simulation (Mulassis). Mulassis is a computer code developed by Qinetiq to assess radiation shielding performance for simple shield geometries (multi-layered planar or spherical shields). The code uses the GEANT4 radiation transport toolkit as the basis of the simulation to treat the run-management, geometry tracking, and physical interaction processes. The user interface will be provided by SPENVIS.

5 April 2002

• The data base interface has been re-written completely. Please consult the help pages! The index data base has been updated.
• A new plot type has been added for all models that run on a satellite orbit: it is now possible to produce VRML files of the model output parameters.
• VRML plots have also been implemented for the positional version of the magnetic field models.

31 January 2002

Update of the SHIELDOSE help page.

14 December 2001

• bug fix to the orbit generator: for some combinations of input parameters, the right ascension of the ascending node was assigned a wrong value.
• bug fix to the solar cell damage equivalent fluence models (EQFRUX): when both trapped particle and solar proton models were run, and the solar proton fluences were zero, the trapped proton fluences were copied mistakenly copied into the solar proton fluences.
• bug fix to the plotting routine of the trapped proton anisotropy model: the colour scale did not always correspond exactly to the z-axis scale
• a new background help page on coronal holes has been added
• the links pages have been updated

12 July 2001

• A new ray tracing algorithm has been implemented into the sectoring tool. The new algorithm is adaptive and automatically reduces the solid angle in regions where the shielding is more variable. Also, a number of input parameters on the main page got a new meaning. Please consult the help pages for the details.
• The glossary in the help system has been updated with Solar-Terrestrial terms from the Space Terrestrial Physics program from NGDC.
• A section on the Comprehensive Flare Index (CFI) has been added to the Indices background page.
• Due to conference meetings and holidays, the SPENVIS team will be reduced the next couple of weeks. The following team members are not reachable:
  • D. Heynderickx: until 3 September
  • B. Quaghebeur: until 20 August
  Questions regarding administrative matters (registration, forgotten passwords,...) can be adressed to E. Speelman. Questions about the physics of the models, that can not wait can be mailed to ESTEC (contacts: H.D.R. Evans or E.J. Daly).

27 April 2001

• implementation of the following trapped radiation models: the AFRL models CRRESPRO and CRRESELE, and a low altitude proton model based on SAMPEX/PET data developed by BIRA/IASB, and an update of the AE-8 model developed by A.L. Vampola: please consult the help page on trapped radiation models before applying these models! A full description of the models will be added soon.
• implementation of combined runs for the radiation analysis, i.e. selection of multiple models that can be run in one request
• The PNG and TIFF formats have been added to all remaining output pages.
• New tools or upgrades currently under development:
  • development of a utility to fold dose curves produced by SHIELDOSE, SHIELDOSE-2 and the NIEL damage model with the shielding distribution produced by the sectoring tool: this tool is now in the test phase
  • improvements to the surface distribution algorithm in the sectoring tool: in progress

9 April 2001

• Data from the KED instrument on ISEE-2 have been added to the data base queries.
• New layout for the results file page and the plot page.
• The PNG and TIFF formats have been added to all remaining output pages.
• A number of inactive user accounts has been deleted. Together with an upgrade of BIRA's network connections, this has speeded up access to the system. In order to minimize the system load, please delete output from projects that is no longer needed.
  Intranet and stand-alone versions for MS-Windows systems can be purchased at the following rates:
  • single user, commercial rate: 5,000 EUR
  • single user, academic rate: 2,000 EUR
  • additional licences: 500 EUR (commercial) or 200 EUR (academic) per licence
  • unlimited number of licences (total price): 8,000 EUR (commercial) or 3,200 EUR (academic)
  Please contact SPENVIS team for ordering information.
• The following bugs and errors have been fixed:
  • some of the plots for the positional magnetic field models were not produced
  • the data base queries have been off-line for technical reasons
  • access to the STRV1b data base was temporarily prohibited
  • the search tool in the help system has been off-line
• New tools or upgrades currently under development:
  • development of a utility to fold dose curves produced by SHIELDOSE, SHIELDOSE-2 and the NIEL damage model with the shielding distribution produced by the sectoring tool
  • improvements to the surface distribution algorithm in the sectoring tool
  • implementation of combined runs for the radiation analysis, i.e. selection of multiple models that can be run in one request

25 January 2001

• The password protection on the ECSS pages has been removed.
• Update of the links pages.
• New layout for the coordinate grid and positional trapped particle model input pages.
• New layout for the results file page.
• Update of the description page for the model output files.
• The PNG and TIFF formats have been added to a number of output pages.

21 December 2000

• Solar wind pressure and the aa and am indices (including daily averages) have been added to the index data set. ACE and WIND data are now used for the solar wind parameters.
• The implementation of models (MSISE-90, MET, DTMB78, HWM93, IRI-90, magnetic field models, trapped particle models) on a geographic coordinate grid has been updated:
  • the layout of the input and output pages has been improved;
  • annotation has been added to the PostScript plots for these models;
  • the format of the output files has been modified.

6 December 2000

• A bug was detected and corrected in the colour tables for CGM plots.
• The SPENVIS server did not recognize the BMP file type, which meant that downloads of BMP files were corrupted. The BMP mime type has now been added, so that BMP files are downloaded correctly.
• The PICT and PCL formats will no longer be supported.
• The GIF format will not be supported in future versions of IDL. Hence, this plot format will probably no longer be available when the IDL version in SPENVIS is upgraded. We propose to replace GIF plots by PNG and/or (uncompressed) TIFF plots.
• The AZUR/EI-88 data set has been added in the data set tool.
• The geomagnetic index data set has been updated: the coverage of the AE index has been extended with provisional values from different sources; the AL, AU and AO indices have been added; the 1998 values for D_st have been upgraded to final values.

17 October 2000

• New plot types have been added for the sectoring tool: polar-azimuthal map, surface plot, 3-D projection on a sphere, VRML representation. Random ray tracing has been implemented. The number of sectors now is a user-defined parameter. A bug has been corrected which could affect ray tracing parallel to object surfaces. The format of both output files has been changed.
• Addition of a new module for evaluating incident electromagnetic radiation (sunlight, Earth infrared and albedo) on an orbiting spacecraft. This tool has been added to the Miscellaneous package.

17 August 2000

• SPENVIS Has been added to the NASA Technical Standards Program Website.
• Correction of a bug in the IRI-90 implementation in ATOMOX: the constituent densities, and hence fluxes, were not transmitted correctly. In addition, the F_10.7 index was not read from the model page. The errors have been corrected, please re-run your ATOMOX IRI-90 calculations. The report file for ATOMOX has been updated.
• Annotation has been added to the PostScript plots produced for SHIELDOSE, SHIELDOSE-2, NIEL, and EQFRUX(GA),

14 July 2000

• Completion of the implementation of the ECSS-E-10-04 standard.
• Implementation of the CRRES/MEA data in the data base tool.
• Implementation of a new search engine.
• Correction of a bug in the sectoring analysis tool.
• Correction of a bug in the SEU tool: when using the one-parameter Bendel function, the second parameter defined on the input page was still used.

3 April 2000

• The C script that preprocesses the model pages has been rewritten, with the result that preprocessing of pages is now almost instantaneous and navigation between pages is much faster. Please remember not to use your browser's Back or Forward buttons (except for help pages), as these actions do not save input parameters.
• The implementation of the surface charging tool EQUIPOT has been substantially upgraded. Material parameters can now be edited, flux spectra can be uploaded to define the charged particle environment, and SEE functions can be plotted. Please consult the help pages before using the new version.
• A tool for sectoring analysis of simple spacecraft geometries has been implemented. The outputs of this tool include a three dimensional VRML representation of the geometry and a shielding distribution file. An application now under development will fold the shielding distribution with ionising and non-ionising dose curves.
• A bug in the LEOPOLD tool has been corrected.
• A bug in the IRI implementation in the ATOMOX tool has been corrected.

21 February 2000

Update of the Links to other resources pages.

31 January 2000

• Window management: with the Netscape browser, the help and results windows opened in SPENVIS receive the focus (through a JavaScript function) when help or results links are clicked. This feature was not supported by Internet Explorer, but has now been added by an extension of the JavaScript function.
• Project control
  • Implementation of batch mode processing: on creation of a project, the process mode can be set to on-line or batch. This mode can be changed at any time on the project settings page.
  • In batch mode, a running process can now be terminated.
• Data base interface
  • Addition of the Strv/REM, UARS/PEM and MIR/REM data.
  • The query routines have been rewritten. It is now possible to query data for periods longer than one month.
  • A number of bugs in the query routines have been corrected.
  • The plotting routines have been improved.
• Meteoroid and debris models
  • Implementation of the Grün meteoroid model.
  • Implementation of the NASA-90 debris model.
  • Addition of a background page on the meteoroid and debris environment and models.
• Addition of a background page for the solar proton models.
• Correction of a bug on the DICTAT main parameter page: the altitude of a circular orbit was not transmitted correctly.

18 October 1999

Addition of the GOES-6, 7, 8, 9, 10 data to the data base interface.

July 1999

• Changes to the interface
  • new layout for model and help pages
  • implementation of "pop-up" windows using JavaScript: with Netscape 3.0 and higher, windows will come to the foreground when activated by a hyperlink
  • addition of JPEG and CGM graphical formats
  • implementation of VRML visualisation for atmospheric models
  • implementation of new plot types
  • new page with shortcuts to model pages
• Changes to models
  • Radiation analysis
    • trapped radiation and solar flare models have been separated for greater flexibility
    • differential trapped radiation and solar flare proton fluxes are now in #/MeV instead of #/keV
    • implementation of non-ionising energy loss (NIEL) model
    • implementation of magnetic coordinate maps for trapped particle models
  • Magnetic field
    • improved implementation of drift shell tracing
  • Data base queries
    • an interface to satellite data bases has been added
  • ECSS Space Environment Standard
    • a copy of the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standard on the space environment (ECSS-E-10-04) is being added with links from and to SPENVIS pages

January 1999

• update of the background colour of all help and model pages
• definition of drift shell with L and equatorial pitch angle and plots of mirror points, foot points and equatorial points on 3D-view
• new coordinate transformation input page
• addition of JPEG graphical format
• implementation of VRML visualisation for atmospheric models
• faster generation and smaller PostScript files for 3D-visualisation
• implementation of PostScript hardware fonts

December 1998

• implementation of "pop-up" windows using JavaScript
• addition of the ESA deep dielectric charging programme DICTAT
• new model pages for SHIELDOSE and SHIELDOSE-2
• completion of help pages for EQFRUX and EQFRUXGA, including background information on radiation damage to solar cells