Nuclear Radiation Fields on the Mars Surface: Risk Analysis for Long-term Living EnvironmentMars, our nearest planet outward from the sun, has been targeted for several decades as a prospective site for expanded human habitation. Background space radiation exposures on Mars are expected to be orders of magnitude higher than on Earth. Recent risk analysis procedures based on detailed dosimetric techniques applicable to sensitive human organs have been developed along with experimental data regarding cell mutation rates resulting from exposures to a broad range of particle types and energy spectra. In this context, simulated exposure and subsequent risk for humans in residence on Mars are examined. A conceptual habitat structure, CAD-modeled with duly considered inherent shielding properties, has been implemented. Body self-shielding is evaluated using NASA standard computerized male and female models. The background environment is taken to consist not only of exposure from incident cosmic ray ions and their secondaries, but also include the contribution from secondary neutron fields produced in the tenuous atmosphere and the underlying regolith.
Document ID
20050192427
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Anderson, Brooke M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Clowdsley, Martha S. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Qualls, Garry D. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Nealy, John E. (Old Dominion Univ. Norfolk, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Exobiology
Report/Patent Number
Paper Number 2005-01-2833
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems and European Symposium on Space Environmental Control Systems