Speaker
Edward Semones
(NASA)
Description
Astronaut exposure to galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPEs), presents a critical challenge for long duration space exploration missions. Experimental studies have shown that HZE nuclei found in the GCR produce both qualitative and quantitative differences in biological effects compared to terrestrial radiation, leading to large uncertainties in predicting exposure outcomes to humans. Radiation risks include carcinogenesis, degenerative tissue effects such as cataracts or heart disease, and potential effects to the central nervous system (CNS). For International Space Station (ISS) missions and design studies of exploration of cis-lunar space and Mars, NASA uses the quantity risk of exposure-induced death (REID) to limit astronaut risks. Critical to the estimates of REID is the detailed understanding of the space radiation environments expected in the destinations and timeframes being considered. Overview of the relevant issues of estimating astronaut risks in context with emerging findings from AMS-02 will be discussed.
Author
Edward Semones
(NASA)
