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Dose Predictions for Moon Astronauts

Dose Predictions for Moon Astronauts. Nicholas Bachmann, Ian Rittersdorf Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences. Image Source: www.astromax.com. Premise <- Abstract??. We will be sending astronauts into space for Lunar and Martian exploration missions.

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Dose Predictions for Moon Astronauts

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  1. Dose Predictions for Moon Astronauts Nicholas Bachmann, Ian Rittersdorf Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Image Source: www.astromax.com

  2. Premise <- Abstract?? • We will be sending astronauts into space for Lunar and Martian exploration missions. • The dose given to these astronauts is a big concern to their safety.

  3. Cosmic Dose Sources • Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) • Solar Energetic Particles (SEP) • Intrinsic Lunar Radiation Image Source : www.archives.gov

  4. Galactic Cosmic Rays • Composition: • 85% protons • 14% alpha particles • 1% heavy nuclei • Heavy nuclei are very dangerous because of the energy they have (proportional to Z2) • Hard to measure precisely. • Current Models are believed to be 25% accurate

  5. Solar Energetic Particles • SEPs consist primarily of protons and alpha particles. • Are formed on active surfaces of the sun. • Lower energy particles than GCRs • Higher flux of particles than GCRs Image Source: www.nrl.navy.mil

  6. Solar Flares • Solar flares emit considerable amounts of radiation, up to tens of Gy. • Between Apollo 16 and 17 , one of the largest solar flares ever recorded occurred. If the flare had occurred during a mission — even inside their shielded spacecraft, the astronauts would have absorbed lethal doses within 10 hours.

  7. Lunar Thorium Hotspots • Because space suits protect well against α/ low energy gamma, Th in the soil is not a major concern • If any kind of space station were constructed on the moon, radon would be a major concern if lunar soil was used in cement Image Source: www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=5357

  8. Apollo Mission Doses No significant difference between

  9. Nuclear Radiation from a Planetary Surface

  10. Effects on Health • Worst-case scenario estimates an increase in carcinogenic risk of 45% to interplanetary astronauts. • NASA/NCRP goal is 3% • Is difficult to quantify due to the uncertainty in the knowledge of the biological response of to particles of various atomic numbers and energies.

  11. Conclusions • Elevated or even fatal does to astronauts are possible outside of Low Earth Orbit if proper planning is not done • Radionuclides in the soil may be a concern for lunar bases • Due to longer travel times, potential missions to Mars would have to be ready for solar flares

  12. References

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