Biological Protection in Deep Space: NASA Looking at New Shields and Vitamins
One of the biggest challenges for space engineers is minimizing the physiological changes caused by space radiation exposure to astronauts as they travel through the solar system in deep space.
In general, the best shields are able to block a spectrum of radiation. Aboard the space station, for example, the use of?hydrogen-rich shielding such as polyethylene?in the most frequently occupied locations, such as the sleeping quarters and the galley, has reduced the crew's exposure to space radiation.
In low Earth orbit, astronauts lose the natural shielding from solar and cosmic radiation provided by the Earth’s atmosphere. But in deep space, things get worse. In deep space astronauts also lose the shielding provided by the Earth’s strong magnetic field. So, to achieve the goal of the NASA Radiation Health Program, it is necessary to monitor the radiation environment inside and outside a manned spacecraft.
An important part of every manned mission is radiation dosimetry, which is the process of monitoring, characterizing, and quantifying the radiation environment where astronauts live and work. Radiation biology support during missions also includes: calculated estimates of crew exposure during extra-vehicular activity; evaluation of any radiation-producing equipment carried on the spacecraft; and comprehensive computer modeling of crew exposure.
Space station crewmembers routinely wear physical dosimeters to measure their accumulated exposure and, post flight, provide a blood sample to measure radiation damage to chromosomes in blood cells.
NASA scientists have investigated the development of electrostatic radiation shields, which generate positive and negative electric charges that deflect incoming electrically charged space radiation.
Another method of radiation protection that has been proposed is to use the lunar regolith (the pulverized dusty material on the moon’s surface) to shield a human colony. Although existing shielding can solve some radiation concerns, it makes spacecraft heavy and expensive to launch. Moreover, it does not provide complete protection against radiation
Dietary countermeasures are also under consideration for biological protection in deep space.
Dietary countermeasures are drugs, that when ingested by an astronaut, may have the potential to reduce effects of ionizing radiation. These supplements can be broadly categorized into two groups. The first group includes specific nutrients that prevent the radiation damage. For example, antioxidants like vitamins C and A may help by soaking up radiation-produced free-radicals before they can do any harm.
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Other studies have shown that diets rich in strawberries, blueberries, kale, and spinach prevent neurological damage due to radiation. In addition, drugs such as Radiogardase (also known as Prussian blue) that contain Ferric (III) hexacyanoferrate (II) are designed to increase the rate at which radioactive substances like cesium-137 or thallium are eliminated from the body.
Want to lean more? Tonex offers Biological Protection in Deep Space Missions, a 2-day course where participants gain insights into the challenges and solutions associated with biological protection in the unique environment of deep space missions.
This critical training program by Tonex addresses the unique challenges of safeguarding living organisms during extended space exploration. Participants learn about the impact of deep space conditions, including radiation and microgravity, on biological systems.
Tonex offers several other courses in Space Engineering as well, such as:
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