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How can space radiation harm astronauts traveling to the Moon or Mars?
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Space weather
Earth's full North Polar auroral oval, in an image taken in ultraviolet light by the U.S. Polar spacecraft over northern Canada, April 6, 1996. In the colour-coded image, which simultaneously shows dayside and nightside auroral activity, the most intense levels of activity are red, and the lowest levels are blue. Polar, launched in February 1996, was designed to further scientists' understanding of how plasma energy contained in the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere.
Traveling to the Moon or Mars exposes astronauts to high levels of ionizing radiation, including solar energetic particles and cosmic rays, which pose significant health risks. Unlike missions in low Earth orbit, where Earth’s magnetic field provides natural protection, interplanetary travelers are vulnerable to these hazards.12
The primary health concerns include:
- Cellular and Genetic Damage: Radiation can cause direct damage to DNA and cells, potentially leading to radiation sickness.2
- Long-term Health Risks: Prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing fatal tumors and various cancers.12
- Acute Effects: Large solar storms can create lethal radiation environments, while heavy cosmic-ray particles striking the retina can cause visual disturbances, such as light flashes or streaks.23
To ensure crew safety, engineers must develop effective radiation shielding for spacecraft and surface habitats, alongside advanced methods for early detection and mitigation of radiation-induced injury.12