Search for Solar Neutrons using the Bonner Ball Neutron Detector on the ISS

The Bonner Ball Neutron Detector (BBND) was launched on March 8, 2001 by the space shuttle STS-102 mission to measure the neutron environment inside the residential area of the International Space Station. The BBND measured conditions during large solar flares in April, August, and October of 2001. The authors sought the signal of solar neutrons. However on April 15, 2001, the ISS passed over the SAA during the arrival time of solar neutrons. Because of strong background radiation, the BBND did not detect a clear signal of neutrons in association with this flare. However, the BBND detected increased neutron flux in the space station in association with GLE that arrived 20 min after the impulsive flare. (authors)