 |
|
Module 4 - Radiation
Introduction
In the previous modules, you have familiarized yourself with the issues of space food, nutrition, mental health, and the effects of zero gravity. Another very important area of space health is the invisible but very damaging radiation. Radiation comes from many sources, the primary radiation sources in the outer space are the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), protons and electrons trapped in the earth’s magnetic field, and the Solar Particle Events (SPE). Health risks from Radiation include cancer, cataracts, acute radiation sickness, hereditary effects, and damage to the central nervous system. Technology is important in radiation shielding, and medicine to help astronauts deal with radiation. In this module you will focus on the health related to the various levels of radiation on Mars, the Moon, and the ISS.
This global map of Mars shows the estimated radiation dosages from cosmic rays reaching the surface, a serious health concern for any future human exploration of the planet. |
Your assignment
In your notebook answer the following questions. Use the key resource and two additional resources. Finish this at home.
- As medical specialist, describe the 2 most important current methods for radiation protection, and describe 2 possible future solutions to radiation protection in detail.
- Compare how these radiation issues might be different on missions to the ISS, the Moon, and Mars. (This is your educated opinion based on what you have learned)
For extra credit: As a Space Health Specialist, prepare a space health plan in which you identify and address the space health issues that you learned about for your destination. (Tip: Go through the issues one by one, briefly explain what they are and how you would address them.)
Key resource
NASA Space Medicine
Other resources
Space Radiation Health Project
Mars Odyssey Shows Intense, But Manageable Radiation Risk for Astronauts
NASA Cataract Study
|
|
