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Cosmonauts, Mind The Galactic Radiation!

April 26, 2002

Russian scientists have designed automated systems of radiation control and safety for the Martian expedition. During this expedition a lot of things will be executed for the first time, e.g. a complicated sensor system, controlled by the on board computer, will protect the cosmonauts from the destructive space radiation.
        When on the Earth, atmosphere and magnetosphere reliably protect people from the solar cosmic rays ruinous for all living beings. Out in the interplanetary space cosmonauts are vulnerable, unless special protection measures are involved. To fully shield human beings from space radiation the spaceship body should be about three meters thick, but the engine able to launch such a huge spaceship has not been invented yet. Certainly, the cosmonauts are shielded both by the environmental suits and by the spaceship body, but the protection is not sufficient. So, what can be the solution to the problem?
        Fortunately, space radiation (the major component of space weather), likewise ordinary wind, is changeable. Radiation direction and intensity vary, that is why it is possible to find shelter from radiation, for instance in the shadow of the spaceship. For this purpose the radiation level all over the spaceship and its external surface should be known precisely at any time. Should this be provided, it will be possible to assess which module is relatively safe at a certain moment for life and work, and which modules should not be entered. Should any external activities be performed, it may be reasonable for the cosmonauts to `stay in the shadow` and not to expose themselves to radiation at that particular moment.
        Such smart system has been invented by the scientists from the State Scientific Center, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences. Actually, the device consists of two systems - the one measures the radiation level with the help of multiple sensors, the other enables to forecast the radiation status and to protect the crew minimising the risk of irradiation. For this purpose it may be sufficient to slightly change course of the spaceship, and the members of the crew working in outer space should move to the other side of the spaceship, or seek shelter in the protecting module.
        The prototype of such system is already operating. But the sensors` display is being processed on the Earth at the Tracking Headquarters, the cosmonauts following the instructions of the Headquarters specialists. However, a long-term expedition would require the On-Board System of the Crew Radiation Safety Control.
        The On-Board System of the Crew Radiation Safety Control will analyse and forecast the radiation level on the lane and on board a spaceship, issuing the spaceship control commands and recommendations for the crew. Besides, the system will also communicate to the Earth the results of the radiation monitoring and the information coming from the on Board System of the Crew Radiation Safety Control to the on-board systems of the spaceship. The double control will make sure that the specialists of the Tracking Headquarters control the On-Board System of the Crew Radiation Safety Control.
        "Naturally, it is impossible to dispatch such a complex system to the Mars without preparation effort, - says Professor Vladislav Petrov. That is why a similar radiation control system is being tested on board the International Space Station (segment of Russia). The first results obtained recently, have confirmed accuracy of the technical solutions, correct choice of the employed software and viability of the main idea, i.e. the cosmonauts` direct involvement in the radiation protection activities."
        As a result, the risk of exposure to radiation for the crew will be minimised, the cosmonauts having better chances to return safely from the expedition to the Mars.
For several years the scientists have been working to implement the space expedition to the Mars, funding being provided by the International Scientific and Technical Centre. Last year the researchers developed an initial project for the expedition, and this year they are planning to start building units of the spaceship, should they get enough funding.

Informnauka (Informscience) Agency