Radiation Sickness, Cellular Damage and Increased Cancer Risk for Long-term Missions

[Fraser]

There is a nagging problem under the surface of the excitement surrounding the future of long-term missions into space. Human exposure to the high amounts of solar radiation and other sources of cosmic rays is likely to be the main factor that could curtail mankind's dreams for future manned settlements on other planets. The effects [...]

More... (http://www.universetoday.com/2008/04/16/radiation-sickness-cellular-damage-and-increased-cancer-risk-for-long-term-missions-to-mars/)

[Maha Vailo]

I'm sure we could find some way around this. Either increase shielding around space bases or find some medical means of coping (drugs, GE).

How do modern space stations deal with radiation?

- Maha Vailo

[01101001]

How do modern space stations deal with radiation?

They cower inside Earth's magnetic field.

Radiation and the International Space Station: Recommendations to Reduce Risk (2000) (http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9725&page=39)


[About coronal mass ejections:] Since Earth's magnetic field shields ISS from solar particle radiation during most of its orbital path, the actual exposure will depend on the orbital location of ISS when radiation levels peak.

Light reading: NASA Behind the Scenes: NASA's Space Radiation Laboratory (http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/support/researching/radiation/) has lots of links.

NASA Facts: Understanding Space Radiation (http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/spacenews/factsheets/pdfs/radiation.pdf) (PDF):


Aboard the space station, improving the amounts and types of
shielding in the most frequently occupied locations, such as the
sleeping quarters and the galley, has reduced the crew’s exposure
to space radiation. Materials that have high hydrogen contents,
such as polyethylene, can reduce primary and secondary
radiation to a greater extent than metals, such as aluminum.
[...]
Active monitoring of space radiation levels also can help reduce
the levels of radiation an astronaut receives by helping the
astronauts locate the best-shielded locations on the station.
The monitoring also serves as a warning should radiation levels
increase due to solar disturbances. Following a healthy diet and
lifestyle, including the use of antioxidants following radiation
exposure, should also reduce risks.

[Fadingstar]

I was reading through this a little while back...

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/01/27/scientists-design-ion-shield-to-protect-astronauts-from-solar-wind-radiation/

It may be something they will consider for the future.