PROBLEMS WITH MODELS OF THE RADIATION BELTS

The current standard models of tile radiation-belt environment have ma ny shortcomings, not the least of which is their extreme age, Most of the data used for them were acquired in the 1960's and early 1970's, P roblems with the present models, and the ways in which data from more recent missions are being or can be used to create new models with imp roved functionality, are described. The phenomenology of the radiation belts, the effects on space systems, and geomagnetic coordinates and modeling are discussed, Errors found in present models, their function al limitations, and problems with their implementation and use are det ailed, New modeling must address problems at low altitudes with the so uth Atlantic anomaly, east-west asymmetries and solar cycle variations , and at high altitudes with the highly dynamic electron environment, The important issues in space environment modeling from the point of v iew of usability and relationship with effects evaluation are presente d, New sources of data are discussed, Future requirements in the data, models, and analysis tools areas are presented.