Challenges for Exploratory Missions

Passive and active dosimeters for space missions are available and constantly improved. The radiation environment of the International Space Station (ISS) is well characterized and radiation detectors are measuring on the surface of Mars and Moon. Concepts of storm shelters are implemented in the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. The first human phantom experiment beyond LEO will bring about the depth dose distribution in the female body. Space radiobiological research currently shifts from single ion experiments to combinations of several ions and from classical radiobiological endpoints such as cellular survival and chromosomal aberrations to tissue- and organ-specific responses that are relevant for degenerative diseases. Furthermore, in addition to monolayer cell cultures, more complex model systems such as organoids are used for accelerator-based research. Other spaceflight environmental factors than microgravity—stress, isolation, sleep deprivation—are coming into the research focus for combined effects. For countermeasure development, tests with well-known drugs are suggested.