New Delhi, March 4: For the past 50 years, NASA’s Human Research Program has been investigating how the human body changes in space. Recent research findings are crucial for ensuring astronaut safety, enhancing spacecraft and spacesuit designs, and developing fitness programs, nutrition plans, and mental health training. As missions extend from low Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, understanding the effects of prolonged space exposure has become increasingly important.
NASA is preparing to land astronauts on the Moon under the Artemis program. The goal is to gather more data while keeping astronauts healthy, particularly focusing on how the body reacts during long missions. Astronauts like Scott Kelly and Christina Koch have spent nearly a year aboard the International Space Station, double the previous average duration.
A study has provided valuable data on physiological and psychological changes in space, which will be useful for decades to come. NASA has identified the main threats to the body in space under the acronym ‘RIDGE’ (Radiation, Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity Field, and Hostile or Closed Environment).
Among these, space radiation poses the most significant and concerning risk. NASA explains that Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from most harmful particles, but astronauts face radiation from three primary sources in space: particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, solar energetic particles from the Sun, and galactic cosmic rays. Notably, avoiding galactic cosmic rays is particularly challenging.
Long-term exposure to radiation increases the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. Studies on animals and cells indicate that space radiation is more dangerous than radiation on Earth. Missions to the Moon and Mars will be significantly longer than six-month missions to the space station, leading to increased total radiation doses and higher health risks.
In response, NASA is developing new detectors for radiation monitoring to better assess the types and amounts of radiation present. Additionally, efforts are underway to reduce risks through shielding, real-time monitoring, and special operational procedures. The risks associated with missions lasting six months or years in space are not the same. NASA is preparing for future deep space missions by understanding these differences better.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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