"Using physics-based environmental effects, SEAT calculates exposure of spacecraft to radiation, charged particles, and space debris impacts," explains Dr. Andy Endal, vice president of SM&A's Space Sciences Division.

"This is especially critical today as environmental risks to spacecraft are increasing due to more man-made debris and natural phenomena such as the sun's solar flare activities peak or Solar Maximum in 2000 and 2001."

SEAT provides functionality to evaluate ionizing radiation dose rates and total ionizing doses; exposure to impacts from micrometeoroids and man-made orbital debris; South Atlantic Anomaly entry and exit times and associated statistics; and thermal loads from direct solar, Earth-reflected solar and Earth outgoing long-wave radiation.

SEAT uses models from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and NASA to provide state-of-the-art assessments. Says Endal, "SEAT provides users with an unprecedented level of analysis capability necessary to efficiently design and safely operate spacecraft in today's increasingly hazardous space environment."