Protecting Astronauts from the Effects of Space Radiation
The effects of space radiation are a major concern for NASA when it comes to long-duration missions in deep space. Astronauts on the International Space Station live in an environment protected from most of these harmful particles. Still, astronauts who travel beyond low Earth orbit will be exposed to potentially deadly levels of cosmic rays. NASA has been studying the potential risks associated with this exposure and looking into various ways to protect its astronauts from them.
Shielding astronauts from space radiation
The effects of space radiation on astronauts and their ability to return safely from the International Space Station (ISS) is a growing concern for NASA. Astronauts are exposed to high levels of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), which have been shown to cause cancer, cataracts, cardiovascular disease, immune system dysfunction, cognitive impairment, among other things. The risk of developing these conditions increases when there is more exposure over time – so they must be protected during long-duration missions in deep space.
The ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400km above sea level. This means that the ISS experiences less protection against GCRs than if it were further away from Earth or in low-Earth orbit where it would be shielded.
Radiation limit for astronauts
The effects of space radiation on astronauts are a serious concern for future space the safety and success of future space travel. According to NASA, one significant effect that can occur in space radiation exposure is cancer. Therefore, the National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) recommends limiting occupational exposure to a 3% chance of causation due to cancer over five years. However, there are many methods used currently by astronauts which may not be enough to protect them from the dangers of these dangerous particles, given their limited protection capabilities. With respect to this issue, researchers continue exploring ways to help reduce possible side effects from harmful radiation while also developing innovative technologies for increased astronaut safety during missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
One of the biggest challenges and risks for future space travel is exposure to high levels of radiation. This can be due to solar flares, meteorites, or simply the distance from Earth’s protective magnetic field. The effects are not well known, but it has been shown that astronauts have experienced changes in vision, fatigue, weakness, confusion, and even cancer after returning from extended periods in space. More research must be done on the subject to protect these brave individuals from discovering ways to shield them while they explore our universe.
The effects of radiation on human beings are frightening but necessary to understand if we want humans to continue exploring our universe beyond Earth’s orbit. For this reason alone, NASA should allocate more funding towards studying how much radiation astronauts are.
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