Limitations of current and future radiation protection schemes on the future of human space travel beyond low earth orbit
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.6.04
- Author
Mr. Kevin Stube, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), Austria
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Space radiation may very well be the most difficult obstacle to overcome for any long term human mission beyond LEO due to the lack of any adequate system to protect a crew from gamma rays and other radiation at this time. The different types of radiation humans will encounter during long duration missions to the moon or Mars are examined from a quantitative view assessing the energies of and potential damages of the different particle types. For the different types of radiation, the sources, characteristics, and interactions of the particles are examined. Typical doses to be expected during a solar minimum and solar maximum are considered for the radiations which this is important. The methods of protection currently used for human spaceflight are discussed examining the inadequacies and potential uses for travel beyond LEO. Of the many suggested radiation protection systems for future use, the more plausible methods proposed are compared to the radiation levels expected during travel as well as weight, cost, and energy consumption.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.6.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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