Radiation and Radiation Disorders

With current technologies, radiation doses associated with exploration and habitation missions to the Moon and Mars may well exceed the limits currently defined for LEO operations. Assessment of the radiation protection needed during interplanetary and remote planetary missions should include consideration of several key technologies, such as integrating structural radiation shielding into vehicle design. Mission planning should, of course, account for solar cycles in considering vehicular trajectories. Vehicle designs could maximize shielding of crew compartments by considering fuel and water storage tanks as components of shielding. Development of advanced propulsion systems is expected to shorten the required transit time. Advanced warning systems for SPEs might be possible through the use of solar orbiting satellites. Shielding strategies for surface habitats should include consideration of materials (e.g., regolith) that would reduce exposure to primary radiation and not evoke significant doses from secondary radiation. Geographic variations in the natural terrain can be exploited to enhance habitat shielding. Development and use of personalized active dosimeters deserves particular attention, as does selection of EVA suit materials.