ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: RADIATION EXPOSURE

The potential for radiation exposure is highly variable, being dependent upon both time and location. In the solar system outside the earth's protective atmosphere, the sun is the primary source of ionizing radiation. The intensity of radiation depends upon distance from the sun and on the level of solar activity. During times of peak sun-spot activity, levels of radiation sufficiently high to give moonwalkers a lethal dose in relatively short exposure periods have occured. To provide a safe environment for crew members in space, the exposure time and intensity can be limited to minimize harmful effects. Shielding can be used to reduce the intensity of radiation exposure. References follow.

REFERENCES

Atwell, W., Weyland, M.D., and Hardy, A.C., Radiation Exposure and Risk Assessment for Critical Female Body Organs, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 911352, presented 21st International Conference on Environmental Systems, San Francisco, CA, July 15-18, 1991.

Badhwar, G.D., and Richmond, R.G., Operational Radiation Measurements for the International Space Station, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 961580, presented at 26th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Monterey, CA, July 8-11, 1996.

Cucinotta, F.A., Wilson, J.W., Townsend, L.W., Shinn, J.L., and Katz, R., LET Analysis of Biological Damage During Solar Particle Events, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 911351, presented 21st International Conference on Environmental Systems, San Francisco, CA, July 15-18, 1991.

Doll, S.C., and Appleby, M.H., Preliminary Analysis of Life Support Resources and Wastes as Radiation Shielding, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 911399, presented 21st International Conference on Environmental Systems, San Francisco, CA, July 15-18, 1991.

Heckman, G., Limits in Predicting the Eleven-Year Solar Cycle Modulation of Radiation Hazards to Exploration Space Missions in the Next Century, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 911350, presented 21st International Conference on Environmental Systems, San Francisco, CA, July 15-18, 1991.

Huston, S.L., and Kuck, G.A., An Early Warning Prediction Scheme for Solar Proton Events, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 901348, presented at 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Williamsburg, VA, July 9-12, 1990.

McCormack, P.D., Radiation Dose Prediction for Space Station, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 860924, presented 16th Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems, San Diego, CA, July 14-16, 1986.

Nachtwey, D.S., Radiological Health Risks, Technical Paper Series No. 891432, presented 19th Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems, San Diego, CA, July 24-26, 1989.

Nealy, J.E., Simonsen, L.C., Townsend, L.W., and Wilson, J.W., Deep-Space Radiation Exposure Analysis for Solar Cycle XXI (1975-1986), SAE Technical Paper Series No. 901347, presented at 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Williamsburg, VA, July 9-12, 1990.

Nealy, J.E., Wilson, J.W., and Townsend, L.W., Preliminary Analyses of Space Radiatiojn Protection for Lunar Base Surface Systems, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 891487, presented 19th Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems, San Diego, CA, July 24-26, 1989.

Simonsen, L.C., Nealy, J.E., Sauer, H.H., and Townsend, L.W., Solar Flare Protection for Manned Lunar Missions: Analysis of the October 1989 Proton Flare Event, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 911351, presented 21st International Conference on Environmental Systems, San Francisco, CA, July 15-18, 1991.

Simonsen, L., Nealy, J.E., Townsend, L.W., and Wilson, J.W., Space Radiation Shielding for a Martian Habitat, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 901346, presented at 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Williamsburg, VA, July 9-12, 1990.

Swenberg, C.E., Holwitt, E.A., and Speicher, J.M., Superhelicity and DNA Radiation Sensitivity, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 901349, presented at 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Williamsburg, VA, July 9-12, 1990.

Townsend, L.W., Wilson, J.W., Shinn, J.L., Nealy, J.E., and Simonsen, L.C., Radiation Protection Effectiveness of a Proposed Magnetic Shielding Concept for Manned Mars Missions, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 901343, presented at 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Williamsburg, VA, July 9-12, 1990.

Townsend, L.W., Wilson, J.W., and Nealy, J.E., Space Radiation Shielding Strategies and Requirements for Deep Space Missions, SAE Technical Paper Series No. 891433, presented 19th Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems, San Diego, CA, July 24-26, 1989.

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Copyright © 1996, James E. Atwater