NASA Flight Surgeon Perspectives on Space Radiation Risk Communication

Among the various spaceflight hazards for astronauts is space radiation, which differs appreciably from typical terrestrial radiation exposures. Health effects associated with space radiation exposures include acute radiation syndrome, carcinogenesis, dysfunction of the central nervous system, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to other spaceflight hazards, NASA flight surgeons are tasked with communicating risks from space radiation exposure that may be used for flight certification or informed consent of risks. This manuscript provides an assessment of responses collected from NASA flight surgeon participants to a survey that solicited information about the primary space radiation health risk concerns and the best approaches for risk communication. Surveyed NASA flight surgeon participants expressed interest in additional measures of radiation risk to augment NASA’s space radiation risk communication tools, enhanced visualization, and customizable health risk projections. They also expressed the necessity of documenting the credibility of evidence crucial for making informed medical decisions.