Radiation Effect of spaceflight on the human body

comparison of radiation doses – includes amount detected on trip earth mars rad on msl (2011–2013).

without protection of earth s atmosphere , magnetosphere astronauts exposed high levels of radiation. year in low earth orbit results in dose of radiation 10 times of annual dose on earth. high levels of radiation damage lymphocytes, cells heavily involved in maintaining immune system; damage contributes lowered immunity experienced astronauts. radiation has been linked higher incidence of cataracts in astronauts. outside protection of low earth orbit, galactic cosmic rays present further challenges human spaceflight, health threat cosmic rays increases chances of cancer on decade or more of exposure. nasa-supported study reported radiation may harm brain of astronauts , accelerate onset of alzheimer s disease. solar flare events (though rare) can give fatal radiation dose in minutes. thought protective shielding , protective drugs may lower risks acceptable level.

crew living on international space station (iss) partially protected space environment earth s magnetic field, magnetosphere deflects solar wind around earth , iss. nevertheless, solar flares powerful enough warp , penetrate magnetic defences, , still hazard crew. crew of expedition 10 took shelter precaution in 2005 in more heavily shielded part of station designed purpose. however, beyond limited protection of earth s magnetosphere, interplanetary manned missions more vulnerable. lawrence townsend of university of tennessee , others have studied powerful solar flare ever recorded. radiation doses astronauts receive flare of magnitude cause acute radiation sickness , possibly death.

a video made crew of international space station showing aurora australis, caused high-energy particles in space environment.

there scientific concern extended spaceflight might slow down body s ability protect against diseases. radiation can penetrate living tissue , cause both short , long-term damage bone marrow stem cells create blood , immune systems. in particular, causes chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes. these cells central immune system, damage weakens immune system, means in addition increased vulnerability new exposures, viruses present in body—which suppressed—become active. in space, t-cells (a form of lymphocyte) less able reproduce properly, , t-cells reproduce less able fight off infection. on time immunodeficiency results in rapid spread of infection among crew members, in confined areas of space flight systems.

on 31 may 2013, nasa scientists reported possible manned mission mars may involve great radiation risk based on amount of energetic particle radiation detected rad on mars science laboratory while traveling earth mars in 2011–2012.

in september 2017, nasa reported radiation levels on surface of planet mars temporarily doubled, , associated aurora 25-times brighter observed earlier, due massive, , unexpected, solar storm in middle of month.