NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For release: 07/16/03
Photo release #: 03-120

NASA announces space radiation research grants

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Dr. Raj Kaul examines "bricks" of radiation shielding material made in his laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Kaul is investigating the effectiveness of material used to shield spacecraft from harmful space radiation. He is one of 28 researchers selected to conduct ground-based research in space radiation biology and space radiation shielding. The grants total approximately $28 millionand average $1 million each over a four-year period. (NASA/MSFC/Doug Stoffer)

 

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The blueprint of life, DNA's double helix, left, is found in the cells of everything from bacteria to astronauts. Exposure to radiation, right, such as X-rays or heavy ion particles, can damage DNA and cause dire consequences both to the organism itself and to future generations. One of NASA's main goals is to develop better radiation shielding materials to protect astronauts from destructive radiation in space. This is particularly important for long space missions. NASA has selected researchers to study materials that provide better shielding. This research is managed by NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research and is supported by the Microgravity Science and Applications Department at NASA's Marshall Center. (Frank Cucinotta, NASA/JSC, Prem Saganti, Lockheed Martin)

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