Presented to the Solar and Space Physics - Vision for Space Exploration Conference

1. NASA’s Agency-wide Collaboration on Radiation Challenges Presented to the Solar and Space Physics - Vision for Space Exploration Conference Dr. Gale J. Allen 18 October 2005

2. NASA’s Agency-wide Collaboration on Radiation Challenges • Radiation – Agency Challenges • Background on Radiation Challenges • Radiation Research Working Group Charter • Impact of Vision for Space Exploration • Where are we today? • Schedule of Tiger Team • Radiation - Health Challenges • Bioastronautics Roadmap Radiation Risks • Recommendations of the National Academies Institute of Medicine

3. Space Radiation Working Group

4. Status of NASA Radiation Working Group • Radiation impacts much of NASA’s mission content including robotic and human space flight • The costs associated with achieving the Vision for Space Exploration are quite significant • Understanding the interrelationships and impacts among upper atmospheric aeronautics, Earth and space science, spacecraft, robotics, mission design, and on human health are vital • An integrated radiation strategy for the Agency is highly desirable

5. Status of NASA Radiation Research Working Group • Then –NASA’s Space Radiation Research working group was established to coordinate Agency-wide activities related to space radiation and to recommend research directions • The focus was on radiation protection on the International Space Station and issues faced by missions out of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) • The working group was composed of representatives from relevant HQ enterprises and applicable centers • Chaired by DAA for Science in Office of Biological and Physical Science • Reporting was to the NASA Chief Scientist

6. Status of NASA Radiation Working Group Now - • The Vision for Space Exploration has established an aggressive schedule for human exploration beyond LEO • There is no longer a Chief Scientist at HQ • The Office of Biological and Physical Research no longer exists • Due to reorganizations and transformations the Working Group has not been meeting in recent years • It is recognized radiation issues are broader and more cross-cutting than previously addressed • Need more formal process rather than ad hoc

7. Status of NASA Radiation Research Working Group Current Plan • Address the broad scope of radiation impacts • Reactivate the Radiation Working Group and expand focus and participation • Lots of good work on going need to converge data/knowledge How? • Establish tiger team to: • Define requirements – decide what aspects of radiation should be included? • Develop a draft charter • Identify key players and recommend working group membership (NASA HQ, centers, other Agencies) Decide chair and possible rotation • Define products of the working group • Comprehensive integrated radiation plan • Reporting requirements and frequency

8. Status of NASA Radiation Working Group • The Working Group will: • Ensure all aspects of radiation of interest to NASA are addressed • Identify and document requirements • Identify gaps • Develop strategy to fill gaps • Develop and manage a comprehensive radiation plan • Leverage leverage leverage

10. Space Radiation Health

11. Space Radiation Health Risks • Bioastronautics Roadmap – A Risk Reduction Strategy for Human Space Exploration See http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov for more info • 45 risks identified total – 4 radiation • Carcinogenesis –increased morbidity or mortality • Acute and late CNS risks – motor function and behavior or neurological • Chronic and degenerative tissue (non-cancer- non-CNS cardiac, circulatory, digestive, cataracts) • Acute radiation risk (occupational radiation exposure) • 41 research and technology questions associated with radiation • Encompass issues that should be sufficiently addressed to mitigate and retire risks

12. Space Radiation Health Risks • NASA commissioned the National Academies - Institute of Medicine to review the Bioastronautics Roadmap • For more info go to www.nap.edu • 18 month study; Six month interim report delivered Oct ‘04 • Briefing of findings and recommendations this afternoon • Report will be publicly available October 20th • Radiation was addressed in detail

13. Space Radiation Health Risks • Charge to IOM • How can the BR better capture & describe risks & R&T issues for risk reduction? • Does the BR use appropriate method of risk assessment? • How well does BR address different types of risks? • Are categories of critical research issues & metrics used to analyze them appropriate? • Are efficiency and technology issues properly and adequately addressed?

14. Space Radiation Health Risks • Radiation Issues • Does protection against late radiation effects also protect against acute effects with respect to galactic cosmic rays? • Are pharmacology and food exposure to radiation adequately addressed? • What is the priority for establishing safe radiation exposures based on duration and destination for each radiation risk?

15. Space Radiation Health Risks • Next Steps • Assess IOM recommendations for radiation • Review radiation research plan • Make adjustments where applicable