Evolution of the measured charge trails intensity in the parallel direction averaged over all AF devices, covering the entire course of the Gaia mission. The trails are an empirical measure of the amount of radiation accumulated in orbit. The gradual increase in damage is caused by cosmic rays, while strong solar flares directed towards Earth cause the step changes in the damage evolution. Time intervals affected by temperature disturbances of the focal plan, due for example to decontamination activities or instances of incomplete telemetry, have been removed from the plot for clarity.