COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE RADIATION ENVIRONMENT IN THE BIOSPHERE AND IN SPACE.
Abstract
Natural radiation levels in the biosphere on Earth vary from 6 microrem/hr over the ocean to values 300 times larger in certain geologic territories. The upper end of this scale overlaps the lowest galactic radiation levels in space. Except for acute radiation exposure in the radiation belt or from solar protons, the radiation environment in space would not seem to constitute a basic obstacle to man's survival in space. Since proton storm shelters on the Moon or planets could be built with indigenous rock, only galactic exposure has to be dealt with in long-term missions. This exposure can be expected to result in inconspicuous chronic damage, such as life shortening which can be estimated to amount to 25 per cent of the time spent in space. As far as acute effects from trapped or solar particles are concerned, these comparatively soft radiations will mainly affect the skin, possibly producing erythema or more severe skin damage, with bone marrow and intestines remaining essentially intact. Operationally, this problem would require the main attention to be focused on in-fight medical care. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0682917
Entities
People
- Hermann J. Schaefer
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Institute