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Approach and Issues Relating to Shield Material Design to Protect Astronauts from Space RadiationOne major obstacle to human space exploration is the possible limitations imposed by the adverse effects of long-term exposure to the space environment. Even before human spaceflight began, the potentially brief exposure of astronauts to the very intense random solar energetic particle (SEP) events was of great concern. A new challenge appears in deep space exploration from exposure to the low-intensity heavy-ion flux of the galactic cosmic rays (GCR) since the missions are of long duration and the accumulated exposures can be high. Since aluminum (traditionally used in spacecraft to avoid potential radiation risks) leads to prohibitively expensive mission launch costs, alternative materials need to be explored. An overview of the materials related issues and their impact on human space exploration will be given.
Document ID
20010085361
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wilson, J. W.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Cucinotta, F. A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Miller, J.
(Department of Energy Berkeley, CA United States)
Shinn, J. L.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Thibeault, S. A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Singleterry, R. C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Simonsen, L. C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Kim, M. H.
(National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 15, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Materials and Design
Publisher: Elsevier Science Ltd
Volume: 22
ISSN: 0261-3069
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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