The Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD) is the main detector set for the future Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility (NICA). It needs an additional trigger system for off-beam calibration and rejection of cosmic ray particles for full functionality. The prototype cosmic ray measurement system for the MPD detector is under development and is called the MPD Cosmic Ray Detector (MCORD). It can detect muons coming from all directions between zenith and horizon, with information about particle direction vector.

Theoretically, it is possible to recognize the extragalactic source of a cosmic particle but only in case of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHE CR) connected to Extended Cosmic Showers (ECS). We need to use the optimal MCORD position resolution to identify the possible sources on the celestial sphere. This issue is studied in the scientific paper by Bielewicz M., Kankiewicz P., Chlopik A. (E1-2020-32) “Minimum Resolution of MCORD as a Consequence of Astrophysical Observation Requirements”.

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For calibration results of Extended Cosmic Shower (ECS) simulation we need the real Cosmic Ray (CR) measurement results performed at the NICA location. The paper by Cordun C. M. et al. (E1-2020-38) “The First Cosmic Ray Measurements for Future MCORD Project” describes the first CR measurements done with the CosmicWatch simple detectors based on the small 5 ⨯ 5 cm plastic scintillators with silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) photodetectors.

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