scholarly journals A Self-Replicating Radiation-Shield for Human Deep-Space Exploration: Radiotrophic Fungi can Attenuate Ionizing Radiation aboard the International Space Station

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham K. Shunk ◽  
Xavier R. Gomez ◽  
Nils J. H. Averesch
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Thick Layer ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
Radiation Shield ◽  
Deep Space ◽  
International Space ◽  
Deep Space Exploration

AbstractThe greatest hazard for humans on deep-space exploration missions is radiation. To protect astronauts venturing out beyond Earth’s protective magnetosphere and sustain a permanent presence on Moon and/or Mars, advanced passive radiation protection is highly sought after. Due to the complex nature of space radiation, there is likely no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem, which is further aggravated by up-mass restrictions. In search of innovative radiation-shields, biotechnology holds unique advantages such as suitability for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), self-regeneration, and adaptability. Certain fungi thrive in high-radiation environments on Earth, such as the contamination radius of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Analogous to photosynthesis, these organisms appear to perform radiosynthesis, using pigments known as melanin to convert gamma-radiation into chemical energy. It is hypothesized that these organisms can be employed as a radiation shield to protect other lifeforms. Here, growth of Cladosporium sphaerospermum and its capability to attenuate ionizing radiation, was studied aboard the International Space Station (ISS) over a time of 30 days, as an analog to habitation on the surface of Mars. At full maturity, radiation beneath a ≈ 1.7 mm thick lawn of the melanized radiotrophic fungus (180° protection radius) was 2.17±0.35% lower as compared to the negative control. Estimations based on linear attenuation coefficients indicated that a ∼ 21 cm thick layer of this fungus could largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars, whereas only ∼ 9 cm would be required with an equimolar mixture of melanin and Martian regolith. Compatible with ISRU, such composites are promising as a means to increase radiation shielding while reducing overall up-mass, as is compulsory for future Mars-missions.

scholarly journals Shuttle diplomacy

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (07) ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
Burton Dicht
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Shuttle ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
Space Program ◽  
International Space ◽  
New Vision ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The U.S

This article analyzes the decisions and technological challenges that drove the Space Shuttle’s development. The goal of the Shuttle program was to create a reusable vehicle that could reduce the cost of delivering humans and large payloads into space. Although the Shuttle was a remarkable flying machine, it never lived up to the goals of an airline-style operation with low operating costs. In January 2004, a year after the Columbia accident, President George W. Bush unveiled the “Vision for U.S. Space Exploration” to guide the U.S. space effort for the next two decades. A major component of the new vision, driven by the recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, was to retire the Space Shuttle fleet as soon as the International Space Station assembly was completed. With cancellation of the Constellation program in 2010, the planned successor to the Shuttle, the U.S. space program is now in an era of uncertainty.

Arkadiko: A lunar space station mission proposal for the development of deep space exploration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Watson ◽  
Bruce Clarke ◽  
Adrian Eilingsfeld ◽  
Nicolo Fantinato ◽  
Bakari Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Space Exploration ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Deep Space ◽  
Deep Space Exploration

Geant4 Monte Carlo Simulations of the Belt Proton Radiation Environment On Board the International Space Station/Columbus

2007 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 1444-1453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Ersmark ◽  
Per Carlson ◽  
Eamonn Daly ◽  
Christer Fuglesang ◽  
Irena Gudowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monte Carlo ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulations ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
Proton Radiation ◽  
International Space

scholarly journals Practicalities of dose management for Japanese astronauts staying at the International Space Station

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 194-199
Author(s):  
T. Komiyama
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Radiation ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
International Space ◽  
Dose Limits ◽  
Dose Management ◽  
Effects Of Radiation ◽  
Tissue Reactions

Japanese astronauts started staying at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2009, with each stay lasting for approximately 6 months. In total, seven Japanese astronauts have stayed at the ISS eight times. As there is no law for protection against space radiation exposure of astronauts in Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) created its own rules and has applied them successfully to radiation exposure management for Japanese ISS astronauts, collaborating with ISS international partners. Regarding dose management, JAXA has implemented several dose limits to protect against both the stochastic effects of radiation and dose-dependent tissue reactions. The scope of the rules includes limiting exposure during spaceflight, exposure during several types of training, and exposure from astronaut-specific medical examinations. We, therefore, are tasked with calculating the dose from all exposure types applied to the dose limits annually for each astronaut. Whenever a Japanese astronaut is at the ISS, we monitor readings of an instrument in real-time to confirm that the exposed dose is below the set limits, as the space radiation environment can fluctuate in relation to solar activity.

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