Module 4 - Protecting Equipment and Personnel

Introduction

Sending people and equipment into space raises many issues, including the damage radiation causes. Fortunately, NASA and the European Space Agency have been thinking about this issue and have come up with some solutions. This module will provide you with some of the approaches they are planning to implement in order to reduce the risk.

The International Space Station (ISS) is relatively protected from harmful radiation. The Moon and Mars present a much greater challenge.

Assignment

1. Read the article below and discuss the differences in the radiation hazard associated with traveling to the Moon, Mars, and ISS.

   Can people go to Mars ? This easy to use site describes some of the problems NASA is facing in their plans for long-term space flights to Mars by altering their spacecraft design.

2. Read this article. From the previous article and this article discuss how NASA is planning to protect equipment and personnel. Include in your answer information you learned in the previous module.

   Fire away Sun and stars: Shields to protect future space crews. NASA promotes materials that may help shield astronauts from space radiation.

3. Make a simple floor plan for either a spacecraft or living space on the Moon, Mars, or ISS. Label the important features, noting especially the type of material that will be used for the exposed structures. Also identify where electronic equipment will be housed and any special considerations for its protection.