Description of Driving Event:
Adequate Resources for the Study of Radiation Exposure
Lesson(s) Learned:
By virtue of the several ongoing programs for the human exploration of space, NASA is pioneering the study of radiation exposure in space and its effects on the human body. Research that could develop and expand credible knowledge in this field of unknowns is not keeping pace with operational progress.
Recommendation(s):
Provide the resources to support more completely research in radiation health physics.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
NASA concurs with the recommendation. The funding for radiation research has been augmented over the past couple of years. Expanding support for radiation health physics research will benefit the mitigation of effects of space radiation and the accurate determination of organ doses. NASA's Space Radiation Health Program supports basic research in radiobiology and biological countermeasures. The Radiation Health Program has initiated efforts to provide reference dosimetry capabilities for flight dosimetry at Loma Linda University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. A phantom torso is being used to assess organ doses on Shuttle and ISS. JSC has initiated efforts to improve measurements of the neutron contribution to doses in LEO. These efforts include increasing opportunities to use neutron detector systems and the development of a high-energy neutron detector by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). Improved understanding of radiation transport properties of the GCR and neutrons can be used to develop shielding augmentation approaches for crew sleep quarters and exercise rooms on ISS.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Exploration Systems
- Space Operations
- Aeronautics Research
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Medical
- Policy & Planning
- Research & Development
Additional Info:
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