NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Radiation Effects and Protection for Moon and Mars MissionsManned and robotic missions to the Earth's moon and Mars are exposed to a continuous flux of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and occasional, but intense, fluxes of Solar Energetic Particles (SEP). These natural radiations impose hazards to manned exploration, but also present some constraints to the design of robotic missions. The hazards to interplanetary flight crews and their uncertainties have been studied recently by a National Research Council Committee (Space Studies Board 1996). Considering the present uncertainty estimates, thick spacecraft shielding would be needed for manned missions, some of which could be accomplished with onboard equipment and expendables. For manned and robotic missions, the effects of radiation on electronics, sensors, and controls require special consideration in spacecraft design. This paper describes the GCR and SEP particle fluxes, secondary particles behind shielding, uncertainties in radiobiological effects and their impact on manned spacecraft design, as well as the major effects on spacecraft equipment. The principal calculational tools and considerations to mitigate the radiation effects are discussed, and work in progress to reduce uncertainties is included.
Document ID
19990104361
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Parnell, Thomas A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Watts, John W., Jr.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Armstrong, Tony W.
(Science Applications International Corp. Prospect, TN United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available