Radiation exposure is one of the biggest risks astronauts face during spaceflight. It can lead to both short- and long-term health problems.

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is funding projects researching the health risks of radiation exposure and possible countermeasures to its adverse effects. The Institute also funds projects developing portable real-time radiation detectors that will provide astronauts with information about radiation activity, giving them the ability to seek shelter. NSBRI’s research will help NASA set standards for radiation shielding on spacecraft.

In addition to protecting astronauts’ health, NSBRI’s research discoveries will have benefits for health care on Earth, as well as homeland security and environmental protection workers.

Center of Acute Radiation Research

NSBRI’s Center of Acute Radiation Research (CARR) is focused on understanding and reducing the risks related to exposure to various types of space radiation, with an emphasis on acute (short-term) effects. Symptoms of acute radiation sickness include nausea, vomiting and fatigue, followed by potential skin injury and changes to white blood cell counts and the immune system. Findings from CARR’s multiple projects will lead to a better understanding of radiation-related cellular, molecular and tissue damage and improved responses for patients undergoing radiation therapy.

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine – Center of Acute Radiation Research

Muscle and Bone

NSBRI is funding three projects studying the effects of radiation on bone and muscle. The projects are looking at the role of radiation exposure during space missions. The results from these studies could lower the risk of fractures in astronauts and for cancer patients who have received radiotherapy, especially in the pelvic region. The research could also benefit Department of Energy/nuclear industry workers and people who live in areas were there is more than normal radiation in the natural environment.

Clemson University -- Space Radiation and Bone Loss: Lunar Outpost Mission-Critical Scenarios and Countermeasures
Clemson University -- Radiation Effects on Bone Tissue and Cells in Reduced Gravity
Texas A&M University -- Maintaining Musculoskeletal Health in the Lunar Environment

Portable Radiation Detectors
NSBRI researchers are developing portable radiation detectors that will provide real-time data to astronauts. The detectors will be about the size of a deck of cards or cell phone. On Earth, this technology will be beneficial for the military, hospital employees, homeland security and environmental clean-up personnel, and cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.

Colorado State University -- Lunar EVA Dosimetry: Design of a Radiation Dosimeter for Astronauts During Lunar Extravehicular Activities
NASA Ames Research Center – Lunar EVA Dosimetry: Small Active Dosimetry System for Lunar Extravehicular Activity Missions: Spacesuit and Tool-Box Applications
U.S. Naval Academy -- Lunar EVA Dosimetry: Microdosimeter-Dosimeter Instrument

Brain and Radiation
Scientists are conducting a research project to determine the effects of radiation on neurobehavioral functions, such as general motor function, memory, and speed and basic sensory functions. Another goal of the project is to assess the damage radiation causes to the central nervous system.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine -- Detection and Prevention of Neurobehavioral Vulnerability to Space Radiation

Blood Vessels and Radiation
Radiation exposure can cause damage to the cardiovascular system. Two NSBRI projects are looking at radiation’s effects on the arteries. One project seeks to determine if radiation encountered during exploration missions alters the adhesive properties of endothelium cells lining blood vessels, resulting in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The other project addresses the hypotheses that radiation will increase endothelial cell damage, decrease the ability for endothelial cell repair and increase endothelial cell aging. Both projects are looking into the effectiveness of countermeasures to radiation exposure.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine -- Radiation, Endothelial Cell Senescence, Accelerated Aging and Atherosclerosis
The University of Alabama at Birmingham -- Effect of High-Energy Particle Irradiation on Adhesiveness of Vascular Endothelium and Its Consequences for Atherosclerosis

Intestinal Inflammation
An NSBRI project is researching the role that radiation-induced intestinal inflammation has in the early symptoms of radiation sickness, such as anorexia, nausea and vomiting. The study assesses the potential advantages of anti-inflammatory therapy to treat these symptoms.

Georgetown University Medical Center -- The Role of Intestinal Inflammation in Acute Effects Induced by Exposure to Protons During Solar Particle Events

Tissue and Organ Damage
Space radiation can compromise tissue and organ function. An NSBRI project seeks to determine if and how relatively low doses of protons can initiate adaptive changes in stem cells found in the brain and skeletal muscle system. Another objective is to examine the relationship between this radioprotective adaptation and acute changes in oxidative stress.

University of California, Irvine -- Oxidative Stress and Charged Particle Irradiation Alter Multipotent Stem Cells to Elicit Acute and Functional Changes in Target Organ Systems